My Favorite Word Work Games to Supplement UFLI

If you’re using UFLI in your classroom or tutoring sessions, you probably know that word work is one of the most critical components of the lesson. It’s where students build automaticity, reinforce decoding, and practice applying skills in isolation.

While games like Roll and Read are a good way to get the job done, sometimes you find that you might need to get a little more... creative to keep the kiddos engaged.

Students deserve repetition with engagement.

That’s why I’ve gathered some of my favorite ways to add a little extra spark to UFLI word work. Whether you’re supplementing as a tutor, supporting your students at home, or simply want to keep your small groups lively and effective, these ideas can help.

1. Roll and Read — With a Twist

The traditional Roll and Read format is a UFLI staple, and for good reason. It offers simple, effective practice for word-level fluency. But if your students are starting to zone out, try taking it up a notch.

Try: Claim the Castle

Inside the Teach-to-Read Blueprint, I’ve built a gamified version of a Roll and Read-style game called Claim the Castle. It's a favorite among students and tutors alike. It combines dice-rolling fun with whole-word reading and light competition, making students forget they’re even doing word drills.

It’s available in both digital and printable formats and follows a sequence that aligns well with UFLI!

Want to try it for free?👉 Click here to grab a sample of Claim the Castle and see how it fits into your current word work block.

2. Memory Match (With a Purpose)

This is a tried-and-true favorite that taps into visual memory, attention, and decoding at the same time.

You can:

• Use real and nonsense word cards from your target phonics skill

• Have students read each word aloud before keeping a pair

• Let them race to “clear the board” within a time limit

A full set of phonics-aligned memory games is included inside TTRB. They're perfect for quick, screen-based or tabletop practice.

Or, you can create your own version on sites like Wordwall or Canva in minutes.

3. Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

While word lists are great for fluency drills, sometimes students benefit from decoding words in context.

Try building or using fill-in-the-blank sentence games that require students to:

• Read a sentence

• Choose the correct word from a word bank

• Tap into meaning and decoding together

You can build these using:

• Wordwall.net

• Google Slides

• Printable sentence strips

TTRB includes digital drag-and-drop sentence activities that work seamlessly with the week’s decoding skill. These are great for reinforcing whole-word reading.

4. Word Work Warm-Ups: Fast and Fun Routines

Sometimes, a quick burst of energy is all you need to re-engage students at the start of a word work session.

Here are a few ideas:

• Flash & Smash – Flash a word card. If read correctly, the student “smashes” it with a fly swatter or marker.

• Speed Stack – Build a tower with blocks or cards. Read each correctly to add another.

• Around the World – Use a group word-reading challenge to gamify review.

You’ll find lots of engaging activities built into the TTRB slide decks to use one-on-one or with the whole group. They're already aligned with the week’s skill and pacing.

5. UFLI Game Generator

UFLI does offer a great Game Generator with digital resources for word work. You can enter your own word list to create simple, whole-word reading games. It’s a great starting point if you’re looking for something simple and quick!

But if you’re ready for:

• More interactive student-centered options

• Zero-prep materials that still align to your scope and sequence

• Digital gamified versions of familiar routines

Then the Teach-to-Read Blueprint has everything you need, ready to plug and play.

Final Thoughts: When Repetition Meets Joy

We know that students need repetition to become fluent readers. But repetition doesn’t have to mean monotony. With the right tools and a little creativity, word work can become the most joyful part of your structured literacy lesson.

Looking for more ways to bring energy to your UFLI lessons?

👉 Read this next: How to Make UFLI Lessons More Fun— Discover practical ways to bring more joy and engagement to your structured literacy routine.

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About the author: 

I’m a dyslexia specialist and creator of The Teach-to-Read Blueprint, a plug-and-play structured literacy curriculum for tutors and teachers. I help educators make research-backed reading lessons effective and engaging—online or in person.

🔍 Want to help your own student thrive with a dyslexia-friendly approach? I’ve built a curriculum designed to make decoding easier, lessons more engaging, and instruction fully online. 👉 Teach-To-Read Blueprint