Foundational Skills

Although children develop oral language by listening and interacting with others, it is necessary to intentionally teach reading and writing skills and strategies.

Systematic, explicit instruction on foundational skills is a key element in research-based reading models. Foundational skills are more than phonics and include developing concepts of print, phonological awareness, alphabetic principle, word recognition and fluency.

Check out these resources to explore strategies to build students’ foundational skills.

Foundational Skills Resources

Literacy Spotlight: Foundational Skills

Jump start your knowledge of foundational skills with this two-page summary that highlights why foundational skills are important, including examples of practice.

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Reflecting on Our Practice: Foundational Skills

Build a shared understanding of foundational skills as the basis for literacy development and learn effective ways to build foundational skills with this slide deck. Use it to reinforce your own learning journey or as part of a professional learning session.

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Foundational Skills Online Module

Learn how foundational skills are part of a comprehensive approach to early literacy development and explore ideas for effective and culturally responsive foundational skills implementation in this self-paced learning module.

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Collaborative Learning Session Guide: Foundational Skills

Explore this collaborative learning session guide to develop knowledge and reflect on instructional strategies. Learn with and from your peers how to ensure effective foundational skills teaching and learning.

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Featured Resources

Click the icons to access the featured resources below.

Watch this video to explore examples of fluency instruction.

Learn a process for building knowledge of letters and sounds.

Review the Early Literacy Walkthrough Planning and Discussion Guide to support observing and planning for literacy instruction.

Visit the Resource Library for more resources to enhance your literacy instruction.
Resource Library