Recent reading research has shed much light on the process of learning to read. Countless studies have concluded that students need both phonics and comprehension skills to become confident readers.

The King’s School has a long tradition of teaching phonics skills as a strong foundation for early literacy. We have recently adopted the UFLI program for our K-2 classes, which is an explicit and systematic phonics program based on the Science of Reading. This program is also used to provide intervention for students above grade 2 who are missing foundational skills.

The strength of the UFLI program lies in the direct teaching of each new phonics skill, combined with ample opportunities to apply and review past skills. Students begin blending sounds to read short words within the first weeks of kindergarten. By the end of grade two, students have learned all the complex phonics sounds of English, as well as basic morphology.

Combined with regular read-alouds, writing instruction, and strong background knowledge, TKS students are provided with all the necessary building blocks for becoming life-long readers.

Erin Kotha, Kindergarten and Learning Support

learn more about UFLI