Welcome to Mrs. Hancock's Blog!

It is always exciting to begin a brand new school year!  I am so looking forward to getting to know my new class of first graders; I know we will have a wonderful year of learning! I feel that home school communication is very important; therefore, keeping parents informed is high on my priority list. Last year I had a classroom blog and received very positive feedback from parents. I do post pictures of students; however last names are never included. If you would prefer not to have your child appear, please let me know as soon as possible.

The blog will include posts about curriculum as well as classroom and school wide events and happenings. You will find additional information in the links located above.  There is a class list (including first names only), specialist schedule, 1st grade portal which includes many worthwhile educational websites, and the Steward School website. In order to receive email alerts when a new entry is posted, please enter your email where it says "Follow by Email".

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions and/or concerns about the upcoming school year.  The most efficient manner in which to reach me is through email: lhancock@topsfieldps.org.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Favorite Toy Day

The children had a great time playing with their favorite toys at school. Before they had an opportunity to play, the children needed to share two reasons why the toy they brought was their favorite. The children followed our OREO graphic organizer as they shared why the toy they brought was their favorite.

Here they are playing and enjoying free time with friends!

Chapter 13 Addition and Subtraction to 40

We have completed learning about the calendar and telling time to the hour and half hour. Though the children are doing well telling time, continued practice at home would reinforce skills learned at school.

In Chapter 13, the children will be learning about adding and subtracting in the vertical form with and without regrouping.  They are encouraged to use place value charts to correctly align the digits and to record the regrouping process.  The frequent use of place value charts leads children away for a dependence on concrete representations which are not feasible when dealing with larger numbers as they move on to later grades.  Children will also be reminded that addition can be used to check subtraction.

Here is a group of children adding two digit numbers using place value charts and tens and ones blocks:  

We are fortunate to have Mr. Kilham, one of the math interventionists assist with math instruction three times weekly.  With this additonal support I am able to present a whole group lesson and then break students up into small groups for enrichment, additional practice, and reteaching.