RedThread Foundations is an evidence-based structured literacy program for Kindergarten through second-grade students. It is based on the science of reading and emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in foundational reading skills, including phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition. 

For third through fifth grade, it emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction while extending into more complex word study, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies to ensure students deepen their literacy skills as they advance.

RedThread Foundations is designed to give K–2 students a strong start in literacy by systematically building the skills they need to become confident readers. Grounded in the Science of Reading, it provides explicit, structured instruction that ensures students develop phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills in an engaging and effective way.

1. Research-Based and Aligned with the Science of Reading

RedThread Foundations follows a structured literacy approach, ensuring students receive explicit, systematic phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction. It aligns with literacy models, including:

This approach ensures students don’t just learn to read—they gain the foundational skills necessary to understand and engage with texts at deeper levels.

2. Systematic, Cumulative Phonics Instruction

RedThread Foundations is carefully sequenced to build students' phonics and decoding skills step by step. Lessons provide:

• Daily explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships, blending, and word analysis.
• Multisensory activities to reinforce learning and engage different learning styles.
• Ongoing review and practice to support long-term mastery.

3. Knowledge-Building Decodable Texts

RedThread Readers are thoughtfully crafted decodable texts that align with phonics instruction while building essential background knowledge. These texts go beyond simple word decoding—they introduce students to meaningful, multicultural narratives that connect literacy to the world around them.

4. Designed for Both Teachers and Students

RedThread Foundations includes comprehensive teacher support to ensure effective implementation. Teachers receive:

• Detailed lesson plans that follow a clear, structured progression.
• Assessment tools to track student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Differentiation strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including struggling readers and advanced students.

5. Seamless Transition to Higher-Level Literacy

As students master foundational skills, they seamlessly transition to RedThread Knowledge (grades 3–8), which expands their comprehension, analytical thinking, and evidence-based writing skills. This continuity ensures students move beyond basic reading mechanics and develop the ability to engage deeply with complex texts.

For Teachers:

• Teacher Guide
• Keyword Image Cards
• Letter Cards
• Classroom Posters
• Unit Word Cards
• Sight Word Cards
• Approximately 60 Decodable Texts per grade level

For Students:

• Magnetic Board with Letter Tiles
• White Board with Writing Grid
• Student Workbook
• Individual Copies of all Decodable Texts

RedThread provides a robust support system to help educators implement the curriculum effectively. This support includes comprehensive resources, professional learning opportunities, and ongoing coaching to ensure teachers and leaders have the tools they need for success.

Core Curriculum Resources

Teachers receive detailed lesson plans, student materials, and assessment tools to guide instruction and monitor progress. These resources are designed to align with state and national standards while supporting student growth.

Professional Learning Opportunities

Educators can deepen their understanding of RedThread’s instructional approach through a variety of professional development options:

• RedThread Institutes – Multi-day, immersive workshops that provide hands-on training in curriculum implementation and instructional best practices.
• Daylong Workshops – Targeted sessions that explore topics such as the Science of Reading, Close Reading, and instructional strategies for literacy and math.
• On-Demand Courses – Self-paced learning modules that allow educators to build expertise at their convenience, covering foundational and advanced topics.
• Professional Learning Labs – Interactive sessions focusing on collaborative problem-solving and practical application of instructional techniques.

Coaching & Leadership Support

Throughout the year, teachers and school leaders have access to ongoing coaching. This includes:

• Tailored feedback to refine instructional techniques
• Real-time guidance to troubleshoot challenges in the classroom
• Actionable strategies to meet the diverse needs of students

Yes, the RedThread Foundations curriculum is based on proven instructional strategies and components that have demonstrated significant results. 

A 2023 study examined the effectiveness of the RedThread Foundations curriculum, a structured literacy program, in improving decoding, oral reading, and comprehension skills among first-grade students in a high-poverty district who were significantly below grade level. The six-week study included 173 first graders (98 in the treatment group and 85 in the control group), and the research found that after using RedThread Foundations curriculum: 

• Students moved from below average to near average on the TOWRE assessment (phonetic decoding fluency), with meaningful effect sizes.
• About half of the treatment group reached grade-level reading, showing significant and meaningful growth compared to the control group.
• There were gains in both the number of words read correctly and the comprehension scores on the QRI assessment for the treatment group. 

Read the Study