French Hill School -Curriculum & Programs

At French Hill, our goal is to help children make a happy and easy adjustment to kindergarten by creating an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation. We provide experiences which will increase knowledge, improve skills and develop desirable attitudes and habits. We offer guidance which will provide a feeling of success and of readiness for new skills and knowledge. We help develop in each child security, confidence, respect, responsibility and independence. We also encourage self expression, self control, and an awareness of self.

At French Hill, district curriculum goals, guides and materials, as well as state requirements, set our direction for language arts skills, mathematics, science and social studies. These basic academic areas are integrated with music, physical education and the fine arts. Within this framework, each first grade class has a tone and style that is uniquely its own. Our classes combine teacher-directed and children-centered approaches to learning the basics. Limits are set to insure a feeling of security and to develop a sense of responsibility. Cultivating an ability to use free time constructively and make decisions wisely and independently is an important component of first grade curriculum as well.

At French Hill, we continue a literature -based reading program which encompasses an integrated approach to reading, writing, listening and speaking. The math program follows the New York State curriculum and stresses measurement as a process to correlate with our hands-on Science Program. Our writing program involves prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and proof reading, and publishing finished works. The study skills program is a cooperative effort between home and school. Parents and teachers work together to promote preparing for a school day, listening, viewing, problem solving, note taking, preparing and presenting information, test taking and studying. Our students also have access to technology to support their learning in all academic areas throughout their day.

In order to meet the needs of our diverse learners, the following strategies and programs are available to all students, as appropriate:

Slingerland - recommended students receive a multisensory approach to reading, using the Slingerland methodology.
Cooperative Learning - all students have opportunities to work in cooperative groups to enhance their learning.
Collaboration - our special education teachers and students work in a "collaborative", team-teaching model with other teachers, to benefit all students.
Classroom Adaptations - classroom adaptations are provided to address the unique and individual needs of our students. Our goal is to help each student reach his full potential.

Curriculum and Programs