“Structured literacy” isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a blueprint for ensuring all students, including those with dyslexia, become proficient readers. But what does it actually look like in a real classroom?
Core Features of Structured Literacy
- Explicit instruction: Tell them what to do and why
- Systematic sequences: Skills build logically over time
- Diagnostic teaching: Adjust based on data
- Cumulative review: No skill is ever “one and done”
Daily Practices That Align
- Use UFLI Foundations to introduce and practice phonics systematically
- Review with decodable texts aligned to the phonics scope
- Embed encoding practice (spelling) to reinforce decoding
- Provide oral language and vocabulary support
Spotlight Strategy:
Use phoneme-grapheme mapping with sound boxes to help students connect sounds to print.
Structured literacy empowers teachers to deliver the right instruction to every learner, not just some. With the right tools and routines, you can transform your classroom into a place where reading success is the norm.