Target Audience: Junior Infants - 2nd Class

UFLI Foundations Phonics programme is suitable for Junior Infants to 2^nd Class.  It contains 128 units, with easy-to-follow lesson plans. Lessons take approximately 30 minutes, each consisting of systematic review and explicit teaching and practice of new concepts.  Free companion lesson resources are available online, including powerpoint presentations, games, and decodable texts.

Part 1 Gives an overview of UFLI: the rationale, scope and sequence, manual, and online resources.  It also looks at some suggestions for assessment to help teachers plan a starting point in the programme.

Part 2 is a detailed walkthrough of a sample lesson using the accompanying powerpoint.  Various resources for word work are explored.

Part 3 Looks at the online resources available to use with the programme: the Sound Wall, decodable passages, and games.  How to monitor progress and provide small group support are explored, along with ideas for home-school links.

Bio of Presenter

Deirdre O’Toole is a primary school teacher from Co. Meath. She has a keen interest in early literacy and is currently studying for her PhD in the area. She runs the Instagram page ‘Playful Classroom’ and the Facebook group, ‘Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers’. Deirdre was the winner of the ‘Science of Reading Teacher of the Year 2023’ award by Nessy Learning.  Deirdre has no affiliation with UFLI.