FUNDATIONS

Jackson Local Schools use a phonics/spelling program called Fundations.  Fundations “is a phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling program.” (Wilson Language).  This program is different from the typical spelling curriculums because it takes “a comprehensive approach to spelling and provides students with the skills they need to spell both words that are phonetically regular (follow the rules of the English language) and the ten percent of the words in our language that are phonetically irregular (Trick Words).  Please know that there is no “spelling list” each week of words to be memorized (except for Trick Words).  Instead, “students‘ spelling is assessed at the end of each unit on a Unit Test that covers the spelling rules and concepts and Trick Words taught in that unit.  Words from past units are also included.” (Wilson Language)  Units are about two weeks each.  Unit tests will come at the end of the second week.   

“In each unit the students learn spelling rules and concepts that teach them the structure of the English language.  With this knowledge, they are able to spell many more words than they would if they were exposed to a memorized list of ten or twenty words.  Because they learn why the words are spelled the way they are, they are able to better apply this knowledge to daily written work.” - Wilson Language

PLEASE LOOK FOR A LETTER ABOUT FUNDATIONS TO COME HOME THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL AND A PARENT HANDBOOK THAT WILL BE A HELPFUL RESOURCE FOR HOMEWORK.