Fundations

Introduction

Fundations is a phonics and spelling program that is used to teach the basics of reading and spelling to the whole class. Fundations lessons focus on carefully sequenced skills that include print knowledge, alphabet awareness, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and spelling. Critical thinking, speaking and listening skills are practiced during story time activities.

Lesson activities include:

Letter Formation using sky writing, dry erase boards, notebooks, and finger tracing

Fluency Drills for sounds, real words, nonsense words, trick words, phrases and stories which allow students to connect the word with its meaning, and develop automaticity, phrasing, and expression

Alphabet Sequencing with sound cards or magnetic letter board and tiles

Blending and Segmenting Sounds with the Wilson finger tapping technique

Sound drills with Baby Echo and large or standard sound cards

Echo/Find Letters and Words using the magnetic letter board and tiles

Dictation for Sounds, Words, and Sentences using the dry erase board and composition books

Trick Words (high-frequency non-phonetic words) using sky writing, composition books, flashcards, and notebooks

Word of the Day Activities which review word structure and develop vocabulary using sound cards, index cards, and vocabulary section of the notebook

Word Talk, Word Play, and Make it Fun activities using manipulatives to reinforce unit concepts or review previously taught concepts