Fundations®
Pre-K to Grade 3: Grounded in the Science of Reading
Establish a foundation for reading, spelling, and handwriting in Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling, and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A Structured Literacy Approach Grounded in the Science of Reading
Teach the foundational skills that at-risk readers need and all students benefit from.
A structured literacy approach to foundational skills grounded in the Science of Reading contains the instructional topics and principles critical for foundational reading and writing success. Fundations’ unique and multisensory approach to instruction makes learning efficient and effective while maximizing valuable classroom time. Instruction and practice occur in a systematic, cumulative, explicit, diagnostic, and integrated manner, allowing students to experience greater gains in the skills required for independent reading and spelling.
Professional learning & support
●Wilson Academy®/Fundations Learning Community (online)
●Program Workshops
●Virtual Implementation Support
●Facilitator and Presenter Certifications
●Sustainability Plans
●Demonstration Sites with On-Site Coaching
Critical Fundational Skills Instruction
Fundations students receive a systematic program in critical foundational skills emphasizing:
- Print concepts
- Letter formation
- Phonological and phonemic awareness
- Sound mastery
- Phonics, word study, and advanced word study
- Trick word (high frequency word) instruction
- Vocabulary
- Accuracy, Automaticity, and Fluency
- Comprehension strategies
- Handwriting
- Spelling
The Pre-K Activity Set introduces Fundations activities for learning letter-keyword-sound, alphabetic order, and letter-formation skills.
Instruction and Intervention Within an MTSS/RTI Framework
Fundations serves as a foundational prevention program to help reduce reading and spelling failure. It is integral to an MTSS or RTI framework, providing research-based instruction in Tier 1 as well as Tier 2 for students at risk for reading difficulties. To support the implementation of an MTSS or RTI framework, progress monitoring is built into Fundations. This allows students requiring a more intensive program to be identified early.
Find the Right Instruction
In Grades 2 or 3, some students may not make sufficient progress in early intervention or require more intensive instruction due to a language-based learning disability. In these instances, instruction with the more comprehensive Wilson Reading System® (WRS) by a WRS Certified teacher would be appropriate.
As a teacher, I want my students to have a toolbox of strategies they can use to decode words. I don’t want them to look at an unknown word and feel overwhelmed. Fundations has given my first graders the confidence to look at a multisyllabic word, break it into its parts, and then look for recognizable chunks like blends, glued sounds, and v-e patterns.
Lindsay Ciccone, First Grade Teacher, Madison, CT
Implemented Across the Country
Impact and efficacy studies of thousands of kindergarten and first grade students, including English learners, have demonstrated that Fundations students make greater gains in foundational literacy skills compared with students using other programs.
Fundations® Learning Community
With Fundations, you gain access to this membership-based companion site, which supports individuals teaching Wilson’s programs. Gain access to reference and instructional materials, expert tips, and more.