About Us



The "System" is named FIRST FOCUS because that is what it provides: a first focus on reading and related language arts skills. Lynne Hanson created the FIRST FOCUS Phonics System and has perfected it over 20 years of teaching reading and language arts in public and private schools.

Our Mission:

To empower every child with the tools and technique to learn to read quickly in a positive, rewarding environment

The FIRST FOCUS Phonics System provides:

• A simple, safe and secure base for the beginning reader to build on.
• An easy, organized method of learning the decoding skills necessary to read.
• A consistent approach with practice materials which build competence and confidence.
  

Using the FIRST FOCUS Phonics System, the reader does not have to memorize long lists of words or have a photographic memory to read successfully. Each "Chart" focuses on one phonics-decoding concept. The FIRST FOCUS Phonics Charts, practice material and the Read and See Books provide focused practice in the Chart skill being taught. The student learns to apply the concepts successfully and quickly.

Lynne Hanson’s training, experience/accomplishments include:

• B.A. in Elementary Education, California Teaching Credential
• Reading Specialist Certificate State of California.
• Classroom Teacher, Resource Teacher, Reading Specialist -California Public Schools
• Director of Project CLINIC (Federally funded Cross-Age Tutoring Program)
• E.S.E.A. Title 3 service team on Cross-Age Tutoring and Self Esteem
• Classroom Teacher for Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools
• ESL Classroom teacher of immigrant children in Borough of Bedford, England
• Owner/Director of Creekside Nursery School
• Reading Consultant for Cupertino Union School District
• Owner/Director/Tutor of Creekside Private School, private and small group tutoring
• Owner/Instructor of Hanson’s Reading, FIRST FOCUS™, training reading teachers
• Creator and Developer of FIRST FOCUS™ Phonics, a rapid-learning reading system
• Author of First Focus READ AND SEE BOOKS (series of practice books to reinforce the reading skills in each chart)