Fundations

This year I will be using Fundations Level 2. The format in which it is taught is very similar to Fundations Level 1 that your child received in First Grade. Fundations provides a systematic and explicit approach to reading and spelling with phonics. Research indicates that systematic and explicit phonics instruction is effective for all children. We will combine this phonics instruction with the reading of good literature, which is just as important for your child's development.

Research also proves that when a child has a "Coach" in addition to a classroom teacher, the child makes significant progress. Let's be a "team" - I shall be the teacher, and you the coach.

In order to take on that role, I will send you the necessary tools. You shall be kept informed of what is happening in the classroom and you shall be given suggestions and a guide as to what can be happening at home. Contrary to what you may be used to, students will not be given a list of words on Monday and tested on those words on Friday.  The spelling portion of your child's homework packet provides a nightly review of the features we are working on in class.

Each unit in Fundations is approximately 2 weeks long.The date of each unit test will be provided at the beginning of each unit. It can be found on the front cover of your child's homework packet. The unit tests will assess students' knowledge of specific sounds, words, trick words, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

Please read the Fundations letters that I send home. These letters will contain updates, program information, and activity suggestions. The activity sheets/suggesetions attached to each letter are also part of the tic-tac-toe challenge board on the back of your child's homework calendar. Students who complete 4 activities in a row (upvertically, horizontally, or diagonally) will receive a prize at the end of the month. Please set aside time to do the home activities with your child. Monitor your child's progress and share successes as well as concerns with me.

Below are some videos of last year's first graders doing some of the different parts of a Fundations lesson. Look closely and you may see some familiar faces!!

Mrs. Trent's First Grade Class

Mrs. Beard's First Grade Class

I look forward to a very successful year as we work together with your child!

Mrs. Cox