The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) is a program designed to help children develop strong reading skills using proven, research-based methods. UFLI focuses on teaching the foundational skills children need to become confident, successful readers. How Does UFLI Work? UFLI is built on the principles of structured literacy, meaning reading is taught in a clear, step-by-step way that helps children understand how language works. Key skills UFLI targets Phonemic Awareness: Understanding the sounds in words Phonics: Connecting sounds to letters and blending them to read words Fluency: Reading smoothly and with confidence Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words Comprehension: Making sense of what is read What Does UFLI Look Like in Practice? When your child participates in a UFLI-based program, lessons may include the following components: Warm-Up Activities Fun, quick games to practice recognizing letter sounds and blending them into words Phonemic Awareness Practice Activities such as clapping out syllables or identifying beginning and ending sounds in words Explicit Phonics Instruction Teachers introduce a new letter-sound combination (such as “ch” or “oa”) Children learn how to read words using that pattern For example, your child may practice reading words like “chat” and “boat” before moving on to sentences Blending and Decoding Practice Students practice blending sounds into words and decoding unfamiliar words to build confidence Word Building Using magnetic letters or letter cards, children practice spelling words by arranging letters Reading Practice Children read short stories or passages that include words they have already practiced This helps connect skill practice to real reading Writing and Dictation Students write words and sentences they’ve learned, reinforcing spelling and comprehension Review and Reinforcement Every session includes review of previously taught skills to ensure retention and application How Can UFLI Help My Child? UFLI is especially helpful for: Beginning Readers: Children who are just starting to learn how to read Struggling Readers: Students who find reading challenging or who have learning differences, such as dyslexia Building Confidence: Step-by-step success helps children feel more confident in their abilities What Can Parents Do to Support UFLI? Parents play an essential role in their child’s reading journey. Here’s how you can help: Practice at Home: Use UFLI take-home activities or practice sheets for a few minutes each day Read Together: Choose books that match your child’s skill level and let them practice with you Stay Involved: Talk with your child’s teacher about progress and ways to support learning Celebrate Success: Praise effort and celebrate progress, no matter how small Why Is UFLI Different? Unlike some traditional reading programs, UFLI focuses on building a strong foundation so children can read and spell with confidence. It avoids guesswork and teaches children how words truly work. This approach is backed by decades of research and is proven to be effective for all learners, including those who struggle with reading. UFLI gives children the tools they need to succeed in reading, setting them up for success not only in school, but in life. If you’d like to learn more about how UFLI can be used with your child, reach out for details!