In order to prevent frustration and build enthusiasm for reading books, we introduce the readers and books used in the Foundations curriculum in a careful progression according to what phonograms and spelling rules students have been taught thus far. In this way, we ensure that students will have all the tools they need to successfully read the entire book!

By the end of Foundations C, students learn all the phonograms and spelling rules needed to decode 98% of English words. Many children begin to read more books on their own before that point, but this happens differently for different students, and that is fine. We strongly suggest not requiring students to read any books that use linguistic tools they have not been taught until they choose to do so on their own.

Teachers and parents often ask about suggestions for additional books besides the Foundations readers and the Bob Books suggested in the lessons to use at various points of Foundations (starting at 45). Here are some that we have found and that readers have submitted! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 

Note: Some of these early reader collections advocate approaches to reading instruction that we do not agree with, indicating what sight words must be memorized before a child can read that book or having children "read" words by guessing them from the pictures. However, if you introduce the books at the indicated point in Foundations, your students will have all the linguistic tools needed to read every word in them, without needing to use the pictures for hints or memorize any sight words by rote.

Foundations Book Suggestions by Lesson