Understanding the UFLI Program: A Detailed Guide for Parents

The University of Florida Literacy Initiative (UFLI) is highly structured, research and evidence based, literacy program designed to enhance early reading skills through systematic instruction in phonics. This guide will help you understand some common UFLI vocabulary, the key literacy skills it targets, and how you can support your child’s learning journey with the UFLI program.

The UFLI program aims to build a strong foundation for reading and spelling success and prevent future literacy difficulties in young children. The program is designed for early readers, typically in kindergarten through second grade, but it can also be used for older students who need additional support.

Vocabulary in the UFLI Foundations Program:

Before diving into the specifics, it’s useful to know some terminology:

• Phoneme: A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a language that can distinguish words from each other.
• Phonemic Awareness: the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds, or phonemes, in spoken words.
• Fluency: Being able to read text smoothly and with automaticity. Fluent readers are able to focus on the meaning of the text rather than decoding each word, which enhances their overall reading experience and comprehension.
• Vocabulary: The words and phrases that a person knows and understands. A good vocabulary is essential for effective communication, reading comprehension, and overall language development.
• Comprehension: The ability to understand, interpret, and analyze the meaning of what you are reading.

Key Skills Targeted in the UFLI Foundations Program:

• Phoneme Blending and Segmentation: Students practice hearing, identifying, and manipulating individual sounds in words, which is crucial for both reading and spelling.

• Accuracy and Automaticity of Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondence: The program helps students quickly and accurately associate letters (graphemes) with their corresponding sounds (phonemes).

• Decoding Automaticity of Words with Previously Learned Concepts: Learners become skilled at rapidly sounding out and recognizing words they have already encountered and practiced.

• Explicit Introduction of New Concepts: New reading concepts and skills are clearly explained and taught, ensuring students fully understand them before moving forward.

• Decoding and Encoding Practice: Students engage in activities that strengthen both their ability to read (decode) and spell (encode) words.

• Reading and Spelling Irregular Words: The program also focuses on words that don’t follow regular phonetic rules, helping students learn to read and spell these tricky words.

• Reading and Spelling Connected Text: Beyond individual words, UFLI encourages practice with sentences and passages, helping students apply their skills in real reading situations.

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Reading at Home

1. Create a Reading Routine: Set aside time each day to spend time reading with your child. Both of you and your child can take turns reading aloud. When you read with your child try to read with expression and clarity, and encourage your child to do the same. Keep a variety of books available at your child’s reading level or use an online book series that your child enjoys.

2. Practice Phonics and Spelling: Engage in fun phonics activities that reinforce the reading and writing skills your child is learning in the UFLI program. There are lots of wonderful online books to read that help give your child an opportunity to practice their decoding skills. You could also choose to play online games, or use apps to “gamify” your child’s reading and spelling practice.

3. Focus on Comprehension: After reading, ask your child questions about the story to check understanding. For example, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”. Also, have your child retell the story in their own words to check for comprehension and recall.

4. Enhance Vocabulary: Increase your child’s vocabulary by using new words in everyday conversation and explaining their meanings. You could also create a visual map or chart of new vocabulary to help your child remember and use new words.

5. Explore UFLI’s Online Resources: Visit the UFLI website, which offers a wealth of suggestions for parents and a variety of literacy games and activities to play with your child to support their reading journey. You can explore these resources here: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/resources/parent/.

6. Stay Informed: Keep in touch with your child’s teacher/tutor to understand how UFLI is being implemented and to get advice on how to support their learning at home. Request any additional at-home learning materials or resources from your child’s teacher/tutor that align with the UFLI program.

7. Provide Feedback To Your Child’s Teacher/Tutor: Share your observations and any concerns with your child’s teacher/tutor so they can best support for your child. No one knows your child as well as you do!

Consider Hiring a UFLI Specialist Tutor

If you notice your child needs extra support despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek additional help. A reading tutor who specializes in UFLI methods can provide personalised attention and tailor their teaching to your child’s unique needs. This extra support reinforces what they’re learning at school, boosts their confidence, and helps them overcome any challenges they might be facing. A specialised tutor can make a significant difference in your child’s reading journey.