Welcome to
Del Mar Hills Academy

Mrs. Hilary Bradshaw

I love every minute of first grade! I continue to get excited and have such an appreciation of children at this primary age. I look forward to helping them establish independence in their academic and social skills as they continue to advance their learning. I feel truly honored to participate in the inspiration and Learner's Mindset that will be shared in our learning studio this year.

First grade authors will continue to develop writing  skills within our three focus areas. Students will expand their fluency as they practice writing Opinion, Narrative, and Expository  pieces. They will be taking a deeper dive into making meaning from various texts and using their Depth of Knowledge to examine text in all forms. The growth is truly amazing in this special, first grade year. 

First grade mathematics is filled with fact fluency, and building an understanding of numbers through counting, and graphing skills. Learning shape characteristics and attributes and fractions is a favorite for all!  Students will develop problem solving skills in the areas of addition and subtraction, with single and double digit numbers along with practicing the ability to engage in mathematical conversations with others. Ideas will be shared as they build their ability to notate strategies and  construct viable arguments to critique their skills, while examining alternate strategies. The emphasis on base ten knowledge will continue to be present as it becomes the foundation for their developing number sense. 

Robust opportunities for practicing Critical Thinking skills in first grade social studies and science are prevalent this year as students consistently collaborate  together investigating and experimenting. Students will engage with historical events, times past and present, and their place in the world. They will continue their thinking around the ever evolving scientific world with the involvement of Animal Structures, Light and Sound, and Our Earth in space. These are just a few scientific subjects that will entice students this year.

I am dedicated to the support of all students in our classroom as they take risks, collaborate, invent, cooperate, critically think, and learn through every modality possible. I love to watch the twinkle in the eyes of my students as they lead each other to greater things.  I work to establish a safe and comfortable learning environment where my students feel secure and encouraged as they confidently reach their goals academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  We will learn as a community to create a culture that facilitates thinking, sharing, and perseverance as they strive for success as Global Citizens. I will foster each child's love for Reading, Writing,  Mathematics, and our STEAM + subjects through cooperative learning and problem solving. First grade is a building block to independence and higher level skills as we ignite genius in a variety of ways and wonderings.

With Emotional Integrity at the forefront, I have always lived by the following philosophy for myself, and I work hard to instill the same in my family, and the students in my learning studio: "Live to learn, laugh, and love". First grade is the beginning of many wonderful accomplishments as we experience together as a classroom family the awe inspiring realization that each student thrives in their own way. We embrace everyone as a unique and valued individual, while embracing a practice of Adaptability to uncover that we can do great things together!

I am looking forward to a fabulous first grade year, with all of my students and families!

With Honor and Appreciation,

Mrs. Hilary Bradshaw

hbradshaw@dmusd.org

Del Mar Hills Academy

14085 Mango Drive

Del Mar CA. 92014

(858) 755-9763 ext. #3418