Explicit, Systematic, Effective: Using UFLI Foundations to Support Struggling and At-Risk Readers

This session focuses on how UFLI Foundations can be used effectively in special education and support teaching to meet the needs of pupils requiring additional literacy support. The session will explore how UFLI’s explicit, systematic lesson structure can be adapted for small-group and individual instruction, while maintaining fidelity to the programme.

Participants will examine ways to use assessment and ongoing observation to identify priority learning needs, select appropriate starting points, and plan targeted instruction. Practical examples will demonstrate how lessons can be paced, scaffolded, and revisited to support pupils who struggle with phonological awareness, decoding, and word identification.

The session will emphasise consistency, clarity, and cumulative practice as key factors in supporting progress, and will provide practical strategies that teachers can apply immediately to help pupils build confidence and success as developing readers.

Bio: Deirdre O’Toole is a primary teacher and PhD candidate at Mary Immaculate College, where her research focuses on early literacy acquisition. She delivers professional development for primary teachers across Ireland, supporting evidence-informed approaches to literacy instruction. Deirdre is the owner of Playful Classroom, a business dedicated to practical, research-based teaching resources and training. She is also the founder of the Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers Facebook group and Right to Read Ireland, advocating for high-quality literacy education for all children.

Total Duration: 1.5 hours via Zoom

A link to access the webinar will be emailed to you prior to the event.