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 that children need to become confident, successful readers. How Does UFLI Work? UFLI is built on the principles of structured literacy, which means teaching reading in a clear, step-by-step way that helps children understand how language works. It focuses on skills like: Phonemic Awareness: Understanding the sounds in words. Phonics: Connecting those 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, they may experience lessons like these: Warm-Up Activities: Fun, quick games to practice recognizing letter sounds and blending them into words. Phonemic Awareness Practice: Activities like clapping out syllables or identifying the beginning and ending sounds in words. Explicit Phonics Instruction: Teachers introduce a new letter-sound combination (like "ch" or "oa") and show how to read words using that pattern. For example, your child might practice reading words like "chat" and "boat" before moving on to sentences. Blending and Decoding Practice: Students work on blending sounds into words and decoding unfamiliar ones, building their confidence. Word Building: Using magnetic letters or letter cards, children practice spelling words by arranging letters. Reading Practice: Your child will read short stories or passages that include words they’ve practiced, helping them connect their learning to real reading. Writing and Dictation: Students practice writing words and sentences they’ve learned, reinforcing spelling and comprehension. Review and Reinforcement: Every session includes reviewing previously taught skills to make sure children retain and apply them. How Can UFLI Help My Child? UFLI is especially helpful for: Beginning Readers: Children just starting to learn how to read. Struggling Readers: Students who find reading challenging or who have learning differences, like dyslexia. Building Confidence: By providing step-by-step success, UFLI helps children feel more confident in their abilities. What Can Parents Do to Support UFLI? As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s reading journey. Here’s how you can help: Practice at Home: UFLI often provides take-home activities or practice sheets. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing these with your child. Read Together: Read books that match your child’s skill level and let them practice with you. Stay Involved: Talk to your child’s teacher about their progress and ask how you can support their learning. Celebrate Success: Praise your child’s efforts and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. Why is UFLI Different? Unlike some traditional methods of teaching reading, UFLI focuses on building a strong foundation so that children can read and spell confidently. It avoids guesswork and teaches children to truly understand how words 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 just 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!