Fundations Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are we using Fundations?
Fundations is an intensive phonics and spelling program. Children are taught the “rules” for
how to spell words correctly. Children are taught to “mark up” their words to help them sound out
the words when they are reading and to help them spell them correctly.
2. What does a typical lesson look like?
Each lesson takes about 30 minutes to complete and it should be taught five days a week.
During that time, the students will complete about three to four different activities. Every lesson
begins with “Drill Sounds”. Students will practice the new sounds they are learning or have learned
and also a “keyword” that is associated with the sound. After drilling the sounds, students are
engaged in several different hands on activities. Students use magnetic tiles to build words and
sounds. They also use dry erase boards to practice writing and marking words and sentences.
3. Will there be homework with this program?
Yes there will be homework. Your child should be able to complete most of this
independently. We will go over the skills for the unit several times and then the homework will be
given. The homework that is given the week of the test will have all the sound alike words, trick
words, and skills to review for the test.
4. What are trick words?
Trick words are words that do not follow the normal spelling rules. These words need to be
memorized and many of these words are a review from last year. Each week, students will have
about 8 trick words to learn each week. We will be doing several activities with these words in
class, such as sky writing. Parents should review these words daily with their child. Once we have
gone over them, students are expected to spell these words correctly. They also may be tested
during any unit test.
5. What are sound alike words?
Sound alike words are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. An example
would be “know” and “no”. Students will have to learn how to spell these words and their
definition. Make sure to review this before the test.
6. How can I help my child be successful?
The best thing to do to help your child is to have your child teach you what they are
learning. Let them be the teacher. Use this packet as your guide to help you. Have your child
practice the marking of their words on a dry erase board or have them build words using their
letter tiles that were sent home. If you are not sure of how to mark something, write a little note
on your child’s homework and I will make sure to go over that again in class. Finally, encourage your
child to really pay attention and participate in class. By doing this, they will be able to be the
teacher at home.
Unit Topics and Additional Information
**Trick words: The first two words listed below will be on the unit assessment, but all words should be
reviewed.
**Sound alike words: Review all sound alike words for unit assessment
**Unit length is about how long it should take.
1. Why are we using Fundations?
Fundations is an intensive phonics and spelling program. Children are taught the “rules” for
how to spell words correctly. Children are taught to “mark up” their words to help them sound out
the words when they are reading and to help them spell them correctly.
2. What does a typical lesson look like?
Each lesson takes about 30 minutes to complete and it should be taught five days a week.
During that time, the students will complete about three to four different activities. Every lesson
begins with “Drill Sounds”. Students will practice the new sounds they are learning or have learned
and also a “keyword” that is associated with the sound. After drilling the sounds, students are
engaged in several different hands on activities. Students use magnetic tiles to build words and
sounds. They also use dry erase boards to practice writing and marking words and sentences.
3. Will there be homework with this program?
Yes there will be homework. Your child should be able to complete most of this
independently. We will go over the skills for the unit several times and then the homework will be
given. The homework that is given the week of the test will have all the sound alike words, trick
words, and skills to review for the test.
4. What are trick words?
Trick words are words that do not follow the normal spelling rules. These words need to be
memorized and many of these words are a review from last year. Each week, students will have
about 8 trick words to learn each week. We will be doing several activities with these words in
class, such as sky writing. Parents should review these words daily with their child. Once we have
gone over them, students are expected to spell these words correctly. They also may be tested
during any unit test.
5. What are sound alike words?
Sound alike words are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. An example
would be “know” and “no”. Students will have to learn how to spell these words and their
definition. Make sure to review this before the test.
6. How can I help my child be successful?
The best thing to do to help your child is to have your child teach you what they are
learning. Let them be the teacher. Use this packet as your guide to help you. Have your child
practice the marking of their words on a dry erase board or have them build words using their
letter tiles that were sent home. If you are not sure of how to mark something, write a little note
on your child’s homework and I will make sure to go over that again in class. Finally, encourage your
child to really pay attention and participate in class. By doing this, they will be able to be the
teacher at home.
Unit Topics and Additional Information
**Trick words: The first two words listed below will be on the unit assessment, but all words should be
reviewed.
**Sound alike words: Review all sound alike words for unit assessment
**Unit length is about how long it should take.