Let me preface this by saying I get no compensation for this product review and simply wanted to share this program by completing a review on Zoo-phonics. 

This is my first year using Zoo-phonics, a kinesthetic method for teaching phonics, reading, spelling and writing using literature.  The program is based on 26 animals, one representing each letter, who each use a different signal, or movement, to teach pre-readers letter sounds.  The program covers pre and early readers from preschool to about 2nd grade (or anyone needing extra assistance, including ESL learners).  Zoo-phonics teaches the alphabet as a whole unit and introduces lowercase letters before uppercase due to the fact that they are used in 95% of written works.

I have taught elementary, including 3 years in Kindergarten, and 10+ years in several preschools and have never had the success experienced this year with Zoo-phonics.  Working with preschoolers (ages 2-5) this year, these children have played and sung their way to learning their ABC’s.  The children knew most of the letter sounds after the first two weeks of school!  We then focused in depth on one letter a week for the remainder of the year.  My students’ favorite Zoo-phonics activities this year have been:

• alphabetizing using stuffed animals (we use stuffed animals that represent each letter and put them in ABC order).  We have gotten them from discount stores and Goodwill for low cost.
• the songs with their movements, of course
• spelling or sounding out simple words using stuffed animals or merged letter cards

They do these things and think we are playing a game versus learning.  That is SO important at an early age.  Keep it fun!!  My kinesthetic learners have also made significant progress using this program because the animals bring the phonics to life.  It’s something they can relate to and something they can touch and hold while they connect the sound to the animal/letter.

The program has many options to personalize your classroom Zoo-phonics program.  My top three favorites include:

1. Zoo-Music Collection CD “Music That Teaches” - This has been the heart of our program!  The children LOVE dancing and singing to the music and it has helped them remember the movements and sounds.
2. Zoo-Fonts English and Spanish – This CD contains all of the Zoo-phonics‘ fonts and a great selection of clipart to produce personalized worksheets and handwriting papers, BINGO games, playing cards, games, posters, stick puppets…
3. Adventures in Learning Teaching Guide – The teacher’s guide which offers a wealth of information and ideas to incorporate all other disciplines (math, science, social studies, art, music).  Different guides are provided for each grade level, pre-K through 2nd, including an ESL supplement.

If you are looking to change or enhance your current phonics or reading program at your school or your home, I highly advise looking into this program!

A few related links to introduce you to Zoo-phonics:

• Zoo-phonics YahooGroup – A group (that I created) for teachers and parents of children using any components of the Zoo-phonics program.  This group has the “blessing” of the Zoo-phonics‘ creators.
• Alphabet Zoo Online Game - not a Zoo-phonics game, but a fun, free, related activity for children
• Video Product Review by CullensABCs.com
• Zoo-phonics video flashcards using ASL and Zoo-phonics signals by M.Gibson