Learn about John Hancock in your homeschool today! John Hancock was an American patriot best known for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence. These quick John Hancock Signature Activities include handwriting practice, document study, and a simple writing prompt.
On this day in American History, January 12, 1737, John Hancock, famous American patriot, was born.
You can click here to see all of the posts in this series: Famous Americans Mini Lessons for Homeschool.
Who Was John Hancock? (Quick Facts for Kids)
- John Hancock was born on January 12, 1737.
- He was an American patriot and Founding Father
- President of the Second Continental Congress
- First signer (and the most famous signature) on the Declaration of Independence
- Known for his bold penmanship and leadership during the Revolution
- His name became a synonym for “signature.” For example: “Put your John Hancock here.”
Today’s mini homeschool lesson focuses on his beautiful signature and the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock Signature Activities
John Hancock had a notable signature. Let’s take a look at these John Hancock signature activities and examine his ‘John Hancock’ a bit more.
1.) View this image of Hancock’s signature on the Declaration. See if you can copy it! Draw your copy in your Notebook of Knowledge or in your own personal Copybook.
2.) Pretend you are signing an important document. Practice signing your name in cursive until you are pleased with how it looks. Aim for practicing at least 10 times.
3.) John Hancock is noted as having the largest signature on the Declaration, as well as being the first signatory. Why do you think Hancock’s signature is so large? If you compare it to others on the same document, is it larger or smaller? Write your thoughts in your notebook.
Notebook of Knowledge (Writing Prompt)
If you are using a Notebook of Knowledge, have your student write his answer to these writing prompts with today’s date.
See below for Notebook of Knowledge instructions.
- Younger writers: Write 2–3 sentences starting with this prompt: “John Hancock is remembered because…”
- Older students: Write one paragraph: “Why do you think Hancock signed so boldly? What message might that have sent to the American people?”
More American History Mini Lessons
If you are new American History Mini Lessons for homeschool: Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!
This series here at Mama’s Learning Corner includes American History Mini Lessons for your homeschool. You will learn about famous Americans, interesting inventions and their patents, American art and music, and more.
You will also find suggested activities – labeled “To do” – if you would like to research this during your homeschool’s group time in the morning, or you can assign the activities for your children to work on independently.
If you think you will do more than one day of On This Day in American History, I would encourage you to have your child keep what I call a Notebook of Knowledge. A spiral notebook or sheets of paper stapled together is more than adequate!
Have your child write the day’s event and the date at the top of his paper. If there are writing activities, have him use his best composition, grammar, and penmanship as he completes the answers. After just a few weeks or even a month, he will have an excellent resource to read through!
Want the January Mini Lessons Pack?
Prefer to plan ahead? Grab the January Mini Lessons Pack for all 31 lessons in one easy download with clickable links, downloads, and answers where applicable.
On This Day in American History January Calendar
On This Day in American History January Calendar
Enjoy a daily American History event with suggested learning activities for each day of January
On This Day in American History: January 11 – Amelia Earhart Flies Across the Pacific Ocean
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