Fundations makes learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for life-long literacy. Research indicates that systematic and explicit phonics instruction is effective for all children. Fundations provides a systematic and explicit approach to reading and spelling with phonics. Phonological and Phonemic Awareness, Phonics/Word Study, Handwriting, and Written Composition are all key components of the Fundations program.
By the end of Level K, kindergarten students will be able to:
• Segment words in an oral sentence
• Segment words into syllables
• Segment syllables into sounds (phonemes)-up to three sounds
• Name all letters of the alphabet
• Write all manuscript letters in lower-case and upper-case
• Sequence letters of the alphabet
• Name sounds of the primary consonants and short vowels when given the letter
• Echo-read a passage with correct phrasing and expression
• Name corresponding letters when given sounds of consonants and vowels
• Read and spell CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) example: map, wig
• Read and spell Trick Words or targeted highfrequency words: the, a, and, is, was, of
• Identify correct punctuation (period or question mark)
• Identify upper-case letter use for beginning of sentences and names of people
• Retell short narrative stories
The letters, keywords, and sounds are taught in the following order: t, b, f, n, m, c, a, i, r, o, g, d, s, e, u, l, h, k, p, j, v, w, z, qu, y, x. When practicing the letter cards, be sure to name the letter, the picture then the sound. Example: A, apple, /a/.