If you’re using the UFLI Foundations program in your classroom, you already know how powerful structured literacy can be for developing strong readers. The scope and sequence is clear, effective, and research-based.
However, as many of us teachers have found, it can be tricky to keep older struggling readers engaged while revisiting foundational skills. 🏫👩🏫
While UFLI gives us amazing resources, they are ultimately targeted at younger students. So, what about the students struggling with foundational reading skills who are now in years 3-5? 🤷♀️
That’s where these UFLI-aligned decodable comic readers come in. 🎉
Inspired by the incredible work of UFLI and designed specifically with students in years 3–5 in mind, these comic-style decodable readers are perfect for those who need extra practice in phonics without feeling like the material is “too babyish.”
Each resource is designed with two goals in mind:
🧠 Phonics mastery that aligns with UFLI’s scope and sequence
🎯 Engagement that motivates reluctant readers to keep going
As a teacher with over 10 years experience, my students across the years have taught me what works and what doesn’t. With this in mind, I designed these activities to cover phonics-based instruction with high-interest comic book storytelling. They are perfect for reluctant readers who need structure and motivation. ✏️📖
What’s Included in Each Comic Reader?
📖 A four page comic story that aligns with a specific phonics concept from the UFLI sequence
🗣 A fluency passage version of the comic text to build reading confidence
📃 A word list focused on the target phonics skill
📝 Activity worksheets to reinforce decoding, fluency, and word recognition
These resources are ideal for small group instruction, intervention sessions, independent work, or even take-home practice. 📚
⭐ Fun side note…these comic story all follow the adventures of two dog characters named Lou and Fin. These are based on my beloved hound dog and his best buddy at the dog park. 🐶💗
📖 Each reader includes:
- An entertaining 4-page comic story that matches a specific phonics skill
- A structured fluency passage (with word count) for repeated reading
- A phonics word list with 15 target words
- Review activity worksheets that reinforce the decodable words, including:
✏️ Roll & Read word fluency game
✏️ Bingo Boards for whole class or small-group fun
✏️ Sentence Writing Practice using target phonics words
✏️ Spelling and Word Matrix Activities to deepen understanding
Here is a preview of one of the comics:
Students Will:
✅ Be engaged through age-appropriate comic storytelling
✅ Practice decodable reading with aligned activities
✅ Identify and apply phonics patterns, like digraphs and r-controlled vowels
✅ Build fluency through structured, repeated reading
Teachers Will:
⭐ Deliver a Science of Reading-aligned phonics lesson
⭐ Provide targeted support for older struggling readers
⭐ Supplement UFLI teaching with confidence
⭐ Use as part of reading intervention, independent practice, or small group instruction
Why These Comic Readers Work
Older struggling readers often feel frustrated with early reader books that don’t match their interests or maturity. This series bridges that gap by offering high-interest stories with controlled, decodable text and engaging visuals.
By combining comic storytelling, phonics-aligned instruction, and fun reinforcement activities, these readers help students build confidence and fluency, without being bored of babyish pictures and words.
✨ Ready to make phonics feel cool again?
These comic-style readers are the perfect way to support your students with the structure they need and the stories they’ll actually enjoy.
Check them out today at Cat’s Classroom Creations! Follow my store for more Science of Reading aligned resources suitable for students in years 3-6.
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