Phonics/Word Study

Informed by an extensive research base and following principles of instruction demonstrating success for a wide variety of learners, key features include:

• Thoroughly teaches the foundational skills, and significantly supports the reading, writing, and language standards, found in states’ rigorous college- and career-ready standards.

• Presents the following concepts and skills in a cumulative manner from Unit to Unit and year to year:

  • Letter formation

  • Phonological and phonemic awareness

  • Sound mastery

  • Phonics, word study, and advanced word study

  • Irregular (trick) word instruction

  • Vocabulary

  • Fluency

  • Comprehension strategies

  • Written composition (spelling and handwriting)

• Integrates skill instruction so that a daily lesson teaches and then reinforces corresponding skills.

• Scaffolds learning while teaching all skills explicitly, sequentially, and systematically.

• Actively engages students in learning through the use of multisensory techniques, such as when teaching students sounds, their representative letters, and words with spelling options.

• Provides multiple opportunities for skills practice and application to build mastery.

• Monitors student learning through formative assessment tools built into the program.

• Includes comprehensive and teacher-friendly materials to facilitate teachers’ use of the program and promote student motivation.

• Guides teachers on how to meet individual student needs by differentiating instruction.

• Supports teachers through the online Wilson Learning Community, offering clear demonstrations of each teaching activity type used in the program.

• Helps teachers achieve many of the requirements of state, local, and professional standards.

• Encourages parental involvement through the use of the Fundations Home Support Packet.

Kindergarten Fundations