How-To Guides

Learn how to get the most out of UFLI Toolbox and implement effective phonics instruction

Using the Virtual Blending Board

Getting Started

  1. Navigate to the Blending Board: Click "Open Blending Board" from the homepage or navigation menu.
  2. Understand the Layout: The board is divided into three columns - Initial Consonants/Prefixes (blue), Vowels & Vowel Teams (pink/red), and Final Consonants/Suffixes (blue).
  3. Build Words: Click tiles to add sounds to the display. Use Clear to restart, or Try a word for a suggested example.

Classroom Tips

  • Whole-Class Instruction: Enable fullscreen mode for smartboard projection during phonics lessons.
  • Suggested Words: Choose Real Words or Nonsense Words, then select Try a word. The mode changes suggestions; it does not filter manually selected tiles.
  • Multisensory Practice: Have students air-write letters while you click tiles to engage multiple learning pathways.
  • Partner Work: Students can take turns building words on tablets during literacy centers.

Creating Phonics Games

How to Generate Games

  1. Select a Lesson: Choose a main numbered lesson (1-128). Official materials also include alphabet lessons A-J and alternate lesson forms.
  2. Pick a Game Type: Select Roll & Read, Tic-Tac-Toe, Phonics Bingo, Connect 4, or Word Search.
  3. Generate: Click "Generate Game" to create a supplemental board with examples grouped by a broad skill area, not an official lesson word list.
  4. Print or Mark: Print the board or mark practice items on screen. Confirm words against the official lesson before assigning them.

Game Ideas

  • Roll & Read: Use with physical dice for small group practice or literacy stations.
  • Phonics Bingo: Generate a randomized card for one group, then create another for the next group.
  • Tic-Tac-Toe: Partner activity where students read words before marking spaces.
  • Connect 4: Challenge students to read four words in a row to win.
  • Word Search: Mark the letters as students find the listed words; the puzzle does not check answers automatically.

Flashcard Presentations

Setup Instructions

  1. Load Flashcards: Select a main numbered lesson to see supplemental practice examples.
  2. Set Timing: Choose auto-advance speed (1s, 2s, or 3s) or manual navigation.
  3. Enable Shuffle: Randomize card order for varied practice.
  4. Present: Project on screen for whole-class rapid word reading practice.

Best Practices

  • Start Slow: Use 3-second timing for new words, decrease as fluency builds.
  • Highlight Heart Words: Enable heart word badges to emphasize high-frequency irregular words.
  • Choral Reading: Have the whole class read aloud together for engagement.
  • Individual Check-Ins: Pause periodically to call on individual students.

For Parents & Tutors

Getting Started with UFLI at Home

  1. Understand the Approach: UFLI uses systematic, explicit phonics instruction aligned with Science of Reading research.
  2. Follow the Sequence: Start with Lesson 1 and progress sequentially for best results.
  3. Keep Sessions Short: 15-20 minute daily sessions are more effective than longer, infrequent practice.
  4. Make it Multisensory: Combine our digital tools with hands-on activities like letter tiles or sand writing.

One-on-One Teaching Tips

  • Celebrate Progress: Track words mastered and celebrate small wins to build confidence.
  • Review Regularly: Spiral back to previous lessons to maintain retention.
  • Watch for Fatigue: Take breaks when needed - frustrated practice is ineffective.
  • Connect to Books: Point out taught phonics patterns when reading together.

About UFLI Foundations

UFLI Foundations is the University of Florida Literacy Institute's explicit, systematic foundational reading program. This independent site provides optional practice tools; consult the official manual and Toolbox for the authoritative scope, sequence, lesson routines, and materials.

Key Features of UFLI Foundations

  • Systematic Scope & Sequence: 128 carefully sequenced lessons that build from simple to complex phonics patterns.
  • Explicit Instruction: Clear, direct teaching of phoneme-grapheme relationships and blending skills.
  • Practice Opportunities: Official companion materials include word work, decodable passages, and additional activities.

Who Benefits from UFLI?

  • Kindergarten through 2nd grade students learning to read
  • Struggling readers in upper elementary grades
  • Students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities
  • English Language Learners (ELL/ESL students)
  • Students requiring reading intervention or RTI support

Note: UFLI Toolbox provides supplementary digital tools to enhance UFLI Foundations instruction. For the complete curriculum manual and official materials, visit the University of Florida Literacy Institute website.