Core Programs In Our Elementary Schools

Core Programs in Our Elementary Schools Wilson Fundations is a structured phonics/spelling (word study) program using multisensory teaching techniques. Fundations is taught in grades K, 1, 2 and 3.

  • Teaches alphabet sounds and syllables, like "silent e" and "vowel teams"
  • Skills taught clearly
  • Students read words and "build" words with tiles and writing
  • Print handwriting is taught in grades K, 1, and 2. Cursive handwriting is taught in grade 3.

Click here for a slide presentation about Fundations and Writing instruction. This video shows various Fundations activities in different grade levels.
Word study in grades 4 and 5 is taught in conjunction with Reading and Writing Workshops. Students learn more about words and word meanings.

Reading Workshop is direct, explicit teaching of how to read and understand what you read. Workshop gives kids time to read and discuss their reading. Readers choose books they are interested in and books they can read accurately and smoothly. These are called "just right" books.

  • Whole Group Lesson. Teacher teaches a clear lesson and students practice.
  • Independent reading and small group lessons. Teacher teaches small groups and some one-on-one.
  • Whole Group Teaching Share. Learning is shared and lesson is reinforced.

Click here to see Lucy Calkins, Teachers College, talking about Reading Workshop.
Click here to see a slideshow about Teachers College Reading and Writing Project work in MSAD 75.

Writing Workshop is direct, explicit teaching of how to write for different reasons: to defend an idea, to explain or teach, or to tell a story. Teaching follows a similar pattern to Reading Workshop.

  • Whole Group Lesson. Teacher teaches a clear lesson and students practice.
  • Independent writing and small group lessons. Teacher teaches small groups and some one-on-one.
  • Whole Group Teaching Share. Learning is shared and lesson is reinforced.

Click hereto see a first grade lesson about improving sense of closure at the end of a story (intro by Kathleen Tolan).
Click here to see a fourth grade lesson about writing moves in persuasive writing (intro by Lucy Calkins).


What research supports these programs?
Click here to see a chart of effective teaching practices and the research studies that identified these practices.
You will see our core programs listed and you will also see some programs used to help our struggling learners:
• "Leveled Literacy Intervention" or "LLI" by Fountas and Pinnell
• "Lexia," a computer-based phonics intervention
• "Increasing Fluency" by Fry and Rasinski.
A check mark shows that the program uses that effective teaching practice.

enVisionmath2.0, is a researched-based curriculum which reflects the state and national goals for mathematics and includes these features:

  • A program that explores mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic
  • A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations
  • A highly visual program including both hard copy and digital learning
  • A balance of conceptual understanding and fluency of basic arithmetic
  • An emphasis on the mathematical practices
  • A program tailored to individual student ability

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