Wilson Fundations on a Shoestring

Hi friends.  How often do you find yourself in a situation where you would like to implement something in your classroom, but you just do not have the resources to do it?  I know, I know, I'm sure you  n e v e r  deal with type of issue in your classroom.

Wait, let me rephrase that . . .

I'm sure you constantly deal with that type of issue in your classroom.  Well, right now I am trying to implement Wilson Fundations in my class with very few resources provided for me.  

If you are unfamiliar with Wilson, it is a phonics/reading program.  It appeals to me because of the emphasis on hands on activities.  From what I can tell, to really set your class up with Wilson, the cost would be about as much as a new reading series.

However, like most teachers, I am not going to give up because the cost of something makes it seem out of reach.  For the materials to get started with Fundations, I decided to get resourceful (when possible) and make or find less expensive substitutes.  I also decided to purchase as much as I could from Wilson, but I had to be very targeted in how I spent my money.

One resource not pictured above is the Teacher's Manual.  It is very important when teaching with Wilson Fundations.

So far I am happy with the work my class has been doing with Wilson.  The whole group activities serve as reinforcement of letter sounds and are perfect for formative assessments. The activities fit in nicely during my Daily Five time as mini lessons.  For my struggling readers, working a bit more with Wilson during small group time seems to be just what they need.

Where there's a will, there's a way.  I'm happy to be getting my feet wet with Wilson Fundations without breaking the bank.

What's the Word on Wilson?

Hi all.  I'm in need of some guidance.  Our school is system is moving toward Wilson Fundations for our K-2 classrooms.  I have participated in some trainings and have some, not all of the materials.  I'm trying to wrap my head around using this program knowing that I have not had in depth training and that I do not have all of the resources.

So I have some questions . . .
1.  Have you used Wilson Fundations in your class and are you still using it?  (if not, tell why)
2.  Do you use Wilson with your whole class or do you use it as an intervention?
3.  If you had to outfit your class with materials (for Wilson), from your own pocket, what are the essentials?
4.  Do you follow Wilson's pacing to a T or do you teach some units out of sequence?

If you have experience with this program leave a comment, I would love to hear from you on any (or all) of these questions.
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great week.