The Ultimate UFLI CLASSROOM CHECKLIST

Jun 23, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Are you preparing your classroom for UFLI Foundations this school year? ❤️Check out the ULITMATE Getting Ready for UFLI Checklist! Whether you're new to the Science of Reading or looking to refresh your routines, this UFLI-aligned back-to-school checklist will help you confidently set up your phonics block, organize your materials, and get your students ready to read.

Tell me where to send the PDF Checklist!

What Is UFLI Foundations?

UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) Foundations is a systematic, explicit phonics program aligned with the Science of Reading. It’s quickly becoming a top choice for educators who want structured, research-based literacy instruction. But starting a new curriculum can feel overwhelming—especially at the beginning of the school year.

That’s why this UFLI Foundations setup guide is broken into simple, actionable steps to help you get your classroom ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare Your UFLI Teacher Materials

Before you start printing and laminating, make sure you have the essential UFLI knowledge and tools:

Watch UFLI implementation videos
Read pages 6–37 of your UFLI manual
Bookmark key tools like the UFLI Toolbox, Blending Board, and Game Generator
Know where to start in the UFLI Scope & Sequence
Review the Science of Reading basics

🔍 Know what you need for intervention placement! Check out the full blog about UFLI Placement Assessment HERE.

Step 2: Set Up a UFLI-Aligned Classroom

A well-organized classroom supports smooth instruction. Use this UFLI classroom setup checklist:

Decide where to hang your sound wall
Prep materials for Word Work: magnetic boards, file folders, or virtual mats
Hang UFLI-aligned alphabet posters and desk nameplates
Stock whiteboards, dry erase markers, and erasers
Arrange desks to clearly view the lesson screen
Consider a clicker to advance slides hands-free

Need help with decor? Find UFLI classroom printables here.

I created an AMAZON list just for UFLI teachers. Check it out here.

Step 3: Print Your Phonics Resources

Be proactive by printing the materials you’ll use all year. Here’s a quick back-to-school printing list for UFLI teachers:

Decodable books (printed and bound)
Home practice sheets & alphabet tiles
Heart word cards & grapheme cards
Literacy centers and phonics games
Word work mats (for magnetic boards or file folders)
🔤 Elkonin boxes

Step 4: Build Your 90-Minute ELAR Block

To follow the full UFLI model, block off 90 minutes of ELAR instruction:

30 min: Language Comprehension Curriculum (not included in UFLI)
30 min: UFLI Whole Group Lesson
30 min: Small Group Intervention

Step 5: Teach Your Classroom Routines

The first few weeks of school should focus on setting clear, consistent routines for UFLI time:

✅ Getting and putting away materials (whiteboards, markers)
✅ Writing answers in the correct space and size
✅ Verbal responses and use of gestures
✅ Smooth transitions to the carpet or small group
✅ Expectations for centers and partner games

📅 Schedule your Getting Ready lessons early to support student independence.

Step 6: Organize Digital & Professional Resources

Don’t forget to prepare yourself as much as your classroom:

Download the UFLI Pocket Reference
Review the Fidelity Implementation Checklist
Use the Project Read AI Portal for progress monitoring
Join the Official UFLI Facebook Group

Looking for UFLI-aligned phonics games, centers, or fluency tools? Check out Flying Through Phonics on TPT for:

✅ Print-and-go intervention lessons
✅ Vocabulary support for decodables
✅ Heart word fluency and assessments
✅ Seasonal phonics centers
✅ Interactive notebooks

These are perfect for UFLI teachers wanting low-prep options without compromising instructional quality.

Want More?

For more UFLI-aligned resources, tips, and freebies, follow along: