Fundations Program

Fundations is an evidence-based approach designed to teach primary-grade children initial reading and spelling concepts. By addressing reading difficulties early, we help students build the critical skills needed for academic success. This proactive strategy promotes confidence in young readers, setting them up for a lifetime of learning.

Grounded in the Science of Reading, Fundations serves as a preventative program that promotes early reading and spelling successes. By focusing on foundational skills, we help students develop the confidence necessary to tackle more complex reading challenges. This preventative approach ensures that all students are prepared for future academic endeavors.

Our program teaches all skills explicitly, sequentially, and systematically, allowing students to retain vital foundational reading skills. This structured approach ensures that each student can build upon their knowledge in a logical and manageable way. Scaffolding supports continuous learning and mastery of essential literacy concepts.

Recognizing that early learners benefit from hands-on experiences, Fundations incorporates manipulatives into the curriculum to enhance understanding. Our multisensory techniques engage visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learners, ensuring that every student can connect with the material. This approach makes learning interactive and enjoyable, fostering deeper comprehension and retention.

The Fundations Reading Program is an evidence-based literacy initiative designed for students in grades K-3. It focuses on building foundational skills in reading and spelling through structured, sequential, and multisensory instruction. At Saint Francis School, this program ensures that every child gains the confidence and skills necessary to become a fluent and capable reader.

At Saint Francis School, the Fundations Reading Program is tailored to meet the unique needs of our student community. Teachers provide personalized instruction, proactive interventions, and ongoing scaffolding to ensure every child achieves literacy success. Our nurturing environment also fosters a love for reading, empowering students for lifelong learning.

Fundations stands out because it is grounded in the Science of Reading and incorporates multisensory learning techniques. Students engage in hands-on activities that connect visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learning styles. This approach enhances understanding and retention, making literacy instruction effective and enjoyable.

The program uses a multisensory approach, incorporating tools like letter tiles, writing grids, and auditory exercises to engage all types of learners. Whether your child learns best through seeing, hearing, or doing, Fundations provides a comprehensive framework to support their unique learning needs.

Fundations is designed to proactively address reading challenges through early intervention and structured support. By teaching essential skills—such as phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency—step by step, the program helps students overcome difficulties and build the confidence needed for reading success.

Yes, handwriting is an integral part of the Fundations curriculum. Students practice proper letter formation as they learn foundational literacy skills, strengthening the connection between writing and reading to improve overall language comprehension and fluency.

Vocabulary is a critical component of the Fundations Reading Program. Students build a robust word bank by learning morphemes, syllable patterns, and context-based word meanings. This enhances both their reading comprehension and written expression.