The first grade faculty makes learning fun through a strong emphasis on cross-curricular activities, as well as collaborative and experiential learning. Reading comprehension and phonics are also hallmarks of our first grade experience.
Language Arts
Hancock strives to instill a love of reading through various genres of literature and a variety of texts. Students are met where they are in reading, and their progress is monitored throughout the year using leveled readers, small group instruction and discussion, and individual assessment. Students practice the writing process and explore grammar and sentence structure in the context of reading and writing. Spelling is also emphasized and practiced weekly through a rule-based phonics approach.
Mathematics
Students work to understand the reasoning behind mathematical concepts. Students master addition and subtraction math facts to build a solid mathematical foundation. Whole number relationships and place value are also fundamentals taught at this grade level. Additionally, students are exposed to telling time, counting money, graphs, and measurement.
Science & Social Studies
Science and Social Studies are taught through teacher-created thematic units. Students engage in sorting and classifying, explorations of various materials, and experiments practicing the scientific method. Throughout the year, students will expand their scientific knowledge of space, matter, weather, plants, and animals. Students develop map skills and learn about geography. They also learn about American symbols, Thanksgiving, and famous Americans.