# data[].attributes.body
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate the smallest units of sound (phonemes) in spoken words.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why is Phonemic Awareness Essential for Reading?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why is Phonemic Awareness Essential for Reading?

# data[].attributes.body
Children who develop phonemic awareness are ready to learn sound-symbol relationships and decode words. This skill supports spelling, word recognition, and fluent reading. Without it, students may struggle to grasp basic reading skills later. Building phonemic awareness is a key first step in any effective reading program.

# data[].attributes.body
Students segment words into individual sounds by tapping each sound on their arm or desk. Example: For 'map,' students tap three times (m-a-p).

Differentiation: Kinesthetic learners benefit from movement. Struggling students can tap with teacher guidance or with visual cues added.

# data[].attributes.body
Teacher says a word (e.g., 'cat'), and students substitute one sound to make a new word (e.g., 'bat'). This activity builds awareness of how changing a phoneme changes the word.

Differentiation: Use visual pictures of the initial word and the substitution word. Provide extra modeling and practice for students with speech/language challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite families to pick a target sound (like /s/) and ask their child to find 3–5 objects at home that start with that sound (e.g., sock, spoon, soap). This simple game helps children apply phonemic awareness skills in real life!

Tips for Families:

Start with just one or two sounds at a time to avoid overwhelm.

Rotate the focus sound every week for ongoing practice.

Use toys, kitchen items, or clothing to make it fun.

Celebrate success with praise (“Yes! Sun starts with /s/!”).

# data[].attributes.headline
Family Resource: Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Activities for Home

# data[].attributes.subject
Family Resource: Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Activities for Home

# data[].attributes.body
Directions: Use Heggerty’s free at-home resources to support your child’s phonemic awareness skills outside of school. Activities include listening games, sound blending, and rhyming practice.

Why It’s Helpful: These simple, daily routines reinforce what students practice in class and help children build strong listening and sound manipulation skills at home. Especially useful for early readers and children with speech/language needs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Heggerty | Phonemic Awareness & Early Literacy Programs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Heggerty provides research-backed phonemic awareness and literacy programs to help students become confident readers. Explore our curriculum, decodable books, and professional development resources.

# data[].attributes.body
Phonics instruction teaches the systematic relationship between letters and sounds, enabling children to decode written language.

# data[].attributes.body
Phonics gives students the tools to “crack the code” of written words. When children can connect sounds to letters, they can decode unfamiliar words independently. Without strong phonics instruction, students may rely on guessing strategies and struggle with accurate word reading, which can hinder fluency and comprehension.

# data[].attributes.body
Students match letter cards to corresponding sound pictures by cutting and pasting the keywords to the corresponding letter sound.

Example: For 'apple' students place the keyword next to the corresponding letter (A).

Differentiation: Use color-coded vowels vs consonants for students who need visual support.

# data[].attributes.body
Students use magnetic tiles to build and decode words like "bit" or "rag" by taping the cvc word saying the sound and corresponding letter as it iss built on their board

Differentiation: Provide simpler words for beginners, multisyllabic words for advanced readers.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite families to name the sound and encourage their child to look around the house to collect items. Afterward, the child says each object out loud, emphasizing the beginning sound.

Tips for Families:

Use color coding (blue cards for -at, green for -op) to support visual learners.

If the child struggles, say the sounds slowly and let them blend.

Make it a game—see who can sort the fastest.

Website: https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/programs/fundations/

Offers resources for families to understand phonics instruction at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

WEBINAR RECORDiNG AVAILABLE

More Fun in 2023!
Explore What's New With Fundations®

Explore FUN HUB ® and our new Fundations Student Workbooks for Levels 1 and 2. Learn how these easy-to-use resources and materials enhance learning.

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.

Student focus

Tier 1/Prevention: All K-3 students;
Tier 2/Early intervention: All struggling or at-risk K-3 readers in the lowest 30th percentile.

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

Fundationsstudents 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

Fundations Curriculum

Familiarize yourself with the skills and concepts taught in each of Fundations' four levels.

Fundations Implementation

Use in your general education classroom with all students and incorporate the intervention component as needed.

Fundations Materials

Comprehensive program materials allow K-3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured foundational skills program using engaging, multisensory techniques.

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.

See what states have recognized Fundations

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.

FUN HUB® + Fundations Are Better Together

Strengthen Your Fundations Implementation with Exciting New FUN HUB Features

Unit Test Tracker

Say goodbye to managing spreadsheets!

Enhanced Digital Manual

Direct access to a dynamic PDF that allows for annotations.

Enhanced Search

Quickly find resources and materials when you need them!

Not an administrator? Your school or district may purchase a FUN HUB license for you. We encourage you to contact your school administrator, curriculum director, or the person responsible for digital purchases to find out how you can get access.

Ways to Subscribe

Qualifying Fundations materials purchased after January 5, 2023, include an individual license for an annual recurring subscription to FUN HUB.

Classroom Set (any Level)
Teacher Kit (any Level)
Multi-Level Kit (any Level)

Teacher's Manual (any Level)
Level 3 Implementation Kit
WinPrin Seat

Individual licenses to FUN HUB can be purchased for $95/year per user. Click on the button below to submit a purchase order. If you're paying with a credit card, please call Customer Support at 800.899.8454.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fundations - Wilson Language Training Corporation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
WEBINAR RECORDiNG AVAILABLE More Fun in 2023! Explore What's New With Fundations® Explore FUN HUB® and our new Fundations Student Workbooks for Levels 1 and 2. Learn how these easy-to-use resources and materials enhance learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Vocabulary is the collection of words a child understands and uses. Strong vocabulary is closely linked to comprehension and overall literacy success.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why is Vocabulary Essential for Reading?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why is Vocabulary Essential for Reading?

# data[].attributes.body
Children with rich vocabularies can better understand and learn from texts. Vocabulary knowledge allows students to make sense of what they read, discuss ideas, and expand comprehension. Without it, children may decode words accurately but fail to grasp their meaning. Effective vocabulary instruction is a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.

# data[].attributes.body
Fluency is the ability to read words quickly, accurately, and with proper expression.

# data[].attributes.body
Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret text, including identifying main ideas, sequencing events, and making inferences.

# data[].attributes.body
Fluent readers can focus their mental energy on comprehension rather than decoding. Students who lack fluency often read slowly and with errors, making it difficult to retain meaning. Building fluency helps children become confident, motivated readers who can engage with more complex texts over time.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why is Comprehension  Essential for Reading:

# data[].attributes.subject
Why is Comprehension  Essential for Reading:

# data[].attributes.body
Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading—without it, decoding and fluency have little purpose. Students who develop comprehension skills can connect prior knowledge, analyze texts, and apply ideas across subjects. Without strong comprehension, academic success in all areas is compromised. Explicit comprehension instruction ensures that all learners, including those with exceptionalities, can construct meaning from text.

# data[].attributes.body
Add new vocabulary to a color-coded wall.

For example, the teacher introduces the word with a picture/definition, places it on the wall, and has students create an oral sentence using it.

Differentiation: Provide sentence starters for students needing language support.

# data[].attributes.body
Students act out vocabulary words to deepen understanding. For example, the teacher says the word (giggle), and students show the meaning through movement or expression. This engages kinesthetic learners.

Differentiation: Supports kinesthetic learners; visuals can scaffold for exceptionalities.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite families to collect new words from stories, TV, or conversations and discuss their meanings.

Directions: Write each new word on a slip, place in a jar, and pick one daily to discuss.

Tips for Families:

Encourage your child to draw a picture of the word’s meaning.

Use the word in different family conversations that day.

Review words in the jar weekly for repetition and memory building.

# data[].attributes.headline
Family Resource: Wilson FUNdations Parent Support

# data[].attributes.subject
Family Resource: Wilson FUNdations Parent Support

# data[].attributes.body
Directions: Explore Wilson’s parent guides and practice activities to review letter-sound relationships, build CVC words, and practice decoding. Use printable materials and suggested home routines for extra practice.

Why It’s Helpful: Consistent exposure to letter-sound relationships supports decoding and spelling. Families can use Wilson’s structured activities to mirror classroom routines, giving children extra practice in a familiar format.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Wilson Language Training Knowledge Library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
For Parents and Guardians - Wilson Language Training Knowledge Library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Wilson®, we understand the challenges of learning to read and write, especially for students who have a language-based learning disability. How we can help Wilson offers research-based, systematic, and multimodal structured language curricula to help every student succeed. Students learn to read step-by-step, starting with the basic structure and rules of the English language, […]

# data[].attributes.body
Ehri, L. C. (2020). The National Reading Panel report: A summary of research-based best practices in reading instruction. Journal of Literacy Research, 52(4), 405–423.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction.

Torgesen, J. K. (2004). Preventing early reading failure and its devastating downward spiral. American Educator, 28(3), 6–19.

Wilson Language Training. (2023). FUNdations® and Geodes: Evidence-based literacy programs. Wilson Language

Heggerty. (2023). Phonemic awareness curriculum for early childhood classrooms. Heggerty.org

# data[].attributes.body
The teacher reads, and the students echo.

For example,, the teacher models expression and pacing, then pauses for students to repeat.

Differentiation: Struggling readers can use shorter passages; advanced readers practice longer text.

# data[].attributes.body
The whole group reads together. For example, select short text passages. The teacher leads the group, modeling tone and phrasing. Students repeat the passage using phrasing and tone.

Differentiation: Builds confidence for hesitant readers through group support. When it's time for the students to echo, teachers can also use a prompt or prop.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite families to read scripts or short plays aloud together.

Directions: Assign parts to each family member, practice, then “perform.” Focus on expression and smooth reading.

Tips for Families:

Reread the script over several days to build fluency.

Model expression—make it fun by using silly voices.

Record a performance so your child can hear themselves reading fluently.

# data[].attributes.headline
Story Retelling with Graphic Organizers 

# data[].attributes.subject
Story Retelling with Graphic Organizers 

# data[].attributes.body
Students retell events in order by pausing and asking themselves, "What is happening on this page?"Scholars should also name the characters, settings, and events.

For example, the teacher models retelling using “first, next, last.” Students complete the organizer by drawing or writing story elements.

Differentiation: Color-coded charts and sentence starters support exceptional learners.

# data[].attributes.body
Students answer story questions by first thinking about their response independently, next, sharing their thoughts with a partner, and then sharing their response with the whole group. For example, when the teacher asks a comprehension question, students think silently, discuss with a partner, and then share with the class.

Differentiation: Pair advanced readers with developing readers for peer support.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite families to read with their scholars daily; after reading a book, the child retells using sequence words (“first,” “next,” and “last”).

Directions: Parent prompts with guiding questions (“Who was the main character? What happened first?”).

Tips for Families:

Use pictures to help recall story events.

Encourage your child to add details (“Why did that happen?”).

Keep it short and positive—focus on 2–3 key events at first.

# data[].attributes.body
Family Resource: Vocabulary.com

Directions: Use the website’s games and word-learning tools to introduce and practice new words with your child. Choose words from your child’s reading or everyday life to strengthen connections.

Why It’s Helpful: Interactive games make vocabulary practice engaging. Students encounter words in multiple contexts, reinforcing both meaning and usage. Families can personalize practice based on a child’s interests.

# data[].attributes.headline
Family Resource: Reading Rockets – Fluency Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
Family Resource: Reading Rockets – Fluency Resources

# data[].attributes.body
Directions: Select from fluency activities such as repeated reading, paired reading, and echo reading. Families can download practice guides and use free story passages available online.

Why It’s Helpful: Fluency resources provide practical strategies that are easy for families to implement. Consistent fluency practice builds confidence, accuracy, and expression, supporting comprehension growth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fluency is a child's ability to read a book or other text with accuracy, at a reasonable rate, and with appropriate expression. Reading fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.

# data[].attributes.body
Directions: Watch videos of children’s books read aloud by actors. Pause the video at key points to ask comprehension questions, then encourage your child to retell the story afterward.

Why It’s Helpful:Professional read-alouds model fluent expression and bring stories to life. Pausing for questions supports comprehension, while retelling builds sequencing and recall skills. Families can use these videos as an extension of bedtime reading.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.