Magnetic Foundations

Early Foundational Reading Skills

Empower students to master early literacy skills by offering explicit, systematic instruction across all foundational skills domains.

Overview

Develop a Strong Foundation in Early Literacy

This Tier 1 foundational skills program offers explicit, systematic instruction across all early literacy domains. It integrates the Science of Reading with proven instructional practices, building a strong foundation for reading.

Designed to complement any core program, it provides strategic supports and purposeful practice ensuring all students, including English Learners, engage in meaningful learning. Regular assessment opportunities help track progress and meet student needs. With topically aligned decodable texts that begin to build background knowledge, teachers have the right tools to deliver foundational skills instruction.

Pairing with Mosaico: Fundamentos por i-Ready creates a seamless bilingual teaching experience that strengthens skills in both languages. 

  • Program Type:Instruction
  • Curriculum Type:Supplemental
  • Subject:Literacy
  • Grade(s):K–2
  • Language:English
  • Format:Print, Digital
  • Copyright:2023

Program Features

Build a Foundation for Lifelong Reading

Collapse
Scope and Sequence Systematically Develops Foundational Skills

The progression of skills is aligned to research from literacy experts and organized to systematically build and reinforce new and previously learned skills.

Consistent Instructional Framework Builds Student Confidence
Each week of instruction follows a predictable five-session sequence to introduce new skills and provide students with opportunities to practice and apply those skills.
Instructional Routines Align to the Science of Reading
A clear instructional framework supports the explicit teaching of new skills, including phonological awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, and delivering corrective feedback. 

Ignite a Love for Reading

Expand
Decodable Texts Are 100% Readable

Decodable texts are fully aligned to each week’s instruction, reinforcing phonics and high-frequency word skills as students build reading fluency.  

Content-Rich Texts Begin to Build Background Knowledge
Unit topics connect across lessons, helping students begin to build background knowledge through engaging literary and informational decodable texts.
Authentic Decodable Texts Reflect All Students
Students read and learn about a diverse range of characters and rich topics they can relate to.

Unlock Success for Every Student

Expand
Strategic Supports Promote Access for All

Point-of-use scaffolds and options for differentiation support learner variability, ensuring all students, including English Learners, actively engage in rigorous, meaningful learning. 

Purposeful Practice Solidifies Learning
Intentional, repeated practice gives students multiple opportunities to immediately apply their learning.
Formative and Summative Assessments Inform Instruction
Weekly and Unit Assessments provide opportunities to monitor progress, see patterns in student growth, and address student needs effectively.

Provide an Equitable Path to Biliteracy

Expand
Develop Foundational Skills in English and Spanish
Pair optionally with Mosaico: Fundamentos to promote a strong biliteracy foundation. 
Implementation Supports Strengthen Any Biliteracy Model
Navigate bilingual reading instruction with comprehensive guidance and a trusted partner.
Our Professional Learning suite offers collaborative live sessions and curated, on-demand digital resources to help educators drive meaningful student outcomes with their Curriculum Associates programs.
Invest in Your Impact

What's Included

Teacher’s Guide

  • 30 weeks of explicit, systematic foundational skills lessons
  • Easy-to-follow routines
  • Helpful teacher tips, including English Learner supports

Student Worktext

  • Daily purposeful practice opportunities
  • Weekly cumulative review
  • Connected Texts for every lesson

Classroom Decodable Set

Grade K

  • Alphabet Tales Big Book
  • 26 Alphabet Books
  • 15 decodable Magnetic Readers

Grades 1 and 2

  • 30 decodable Magnetic Readers

Foundational Skills Cards

  • Sound Spelling Cards
  • Articulation Cards
  • Super Word Cards
  • Word Building Cards

Digital Access through Teacher Toolbox

  • Lesson slides
  • Articulation videos
  • Support for families
  • Additional practice and resources for differentiation

Related Resources

Whitepaper

Putting the Science of Reading to Work

We believe all students can become skilled readers, and the best way to get them there is a strong start ...

Research Base

Magnetic Reading Foundations: Research Base

Magnetic Reading Foundations provides research-based instruction informed by practical classroom experien...

Case Study

Morongo USD Aims to Ensure Reading Proficiency by Grade ...

Morongo Unified School District’s Reader by Nine initiative aims to ensure all students reach profi...

Meet the Experts Behind the Program

Profile photo of Ray Reutzel

Ray Reutzel

Dean of the College of Education, University of Wyoming
Profile photo of Dr. James W. Cunningham

Dr. James W. Cunningham

Professor Emeritus of Literacy Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Profile photo of Heidi Anne Mesmer

Heidi Anne Mesmer

Literacy Professor, Virginia Tech School of Education