About UFLI: Developed at the University of Florida Literacy Institute, the phonics-focused curriculum gives teachers tools to help struggling readers catch up.
“It was a really great opportunity for us to pick up something that is research-based, intensive, and is going to help our kids move forward, or at the very least prevent that academic slide that so often happens in the summer,” said Brooke Ferriola, the club’s education director.
In total, 55 children took part in the club’s UFLI program, which is part of the Community Foundation’s efforts to improve childhood literacy in its service area. More than 50 percent of Palm Beach County’s third graders do not read at grade level — a dire challenge. Addressing it will help shape those young students and the community’s prospects in the future.
The initial feedback about the program was excellent. The students enjoyed the program’s predictability and the opportunities it provided to take part in reading, writing, and speaking activities. “It’s not the teacher just talking at them for 30 minutes,” Ferriola said. “It’s a very interactive program for them.”
In addition, the club’s teachers and staff found the program easy to implement and learn after going through training provided by the Community Foundation. The foundation’s generous donors provided the club not just with the training but also with the curriculum and all the materials.
“The program was really just ready to go, everything was provided to us,” Ferriola said. “It took a lot of stress off the teachers, and it’s been an amazing opportunity. They’ve gone over and above with what they’ve been able to provide for us for this program.”
