What is UFLI?
A "Phonics-First" Approach: Instead of just memorizing words, UFLI teaches children the rules of reading by connecting sounds to letters.
Systematic and Cumulative: The program starts with basic skills and builds on them, ensuring students have a solid foundation before moving to more complex words.
Consistent Structure: Each lesson follows a similar, fast-paced routine, which helps kids feel confident because they know what to expect.
Multisensory: It incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques (like tapping out sounds) to help make learning stick.
Why We Are Using It
Scientifically Researched: It is built on the "science of reading," which shows that systematic instruction is the most effective way to teach reading.
Builds Independence: It empowers students to decode (read) new words and encode (spell) words on their own.
Targets Gaps: It is excellent for strengthening foundational skills that are critical for 2nd graders.
How to Support at Home
Practice Sheets: You may receive home practice sheets focusing on specific sounds, not just sight word memorization.
Sound it Out: Encourage your child to say the sound for each letter/combination and blend them together to read.
Heart Words: Instead of "sight words," UFLI uses "heart words," which are words with irregular parts that need to be learned by heart.
Don't Rush: The goal is accuracy and confidence in decoding, not just speed.