At The Reading Specialists, we’re passionate about equipping children with the tools they need to become confident and successful readers. We constantly explore evidence-based approaches to reading intervention, and the UFLI’s (University of Florida Literacy Institute) Foundations program is one of the supported and utilised programs at The Reading Specialists.

Developed by the University of Florida’s Literacy Institute, Foundations is an explicit and systematic phonics program. This means it provides clear and structured instruction in the relationships between letters and sounds (phonics), a foundational skill for reading success.

Strengths of the UF Literacy Institute’s Foundations Program:

• Systematic and sequential: The program follows a carefully designed sequence, ensuring children build skills step-by-step. This logical progression allows them to master basic concepts before moving on to more complex ones, fostering a strong understanding of the alphabetic code.
• Aligned to reading science: UFLI is grounded in the “Science of Reading”, which emphasises the importance of explicit phonics instruction for developing foundational reading skills. This means it directly targets the skills needed for students to decode words and become fluent readers.
• Multisensory learning: Foundations incorporates a variety of activities that engage different learning styles. This might include visual aids, auditory instruction, and kinesthetic activities like manipulating letters. This multisensory approach caters to individual learning preferences and helps solidify learning.

Benefits of the UF Literacy Institute’s Foundations Program:

• Strong phonics foundation: By explicitly teaching phonics skills, Foundations equips children with the ability to sound out unfamiliar words, increasing their reading accuracy and fluency.
• Improved decoding skills: As children master phonics, they become more adept at decoding new words, fostering a sense of independence and confidence as they approach reading challenges.
• Preparation for reading success: A strong foundation in phonics sets children on the path to becoming successful readers. This can improve their overall literacy skills and academic performance.

Who can benefit from the UF Literacy Institute’s Foundations Program?

The Foundations program can be beneficial for a variety of learners, including:

• Those in the early stages of reading development
• Those who struggle with phonics skills
• Those who show signs of reading difficulties

At The Reading Specialists, we believe the UF Literacy Institute’s Foundations program offers a valuable approach to developing strong reading skills. While we may not use this specific program in every intervention plan, we incorporate many of these same principles, tailoring our approach to each child’s unique needs.

If your child is struggling with reading, contact us today for a free consultation. We can discuss your child’s specific needs and explore the best approach to help them reach their full literacy potential.