1. Zoo Phonics Teacher Training
Scavenger Hunt – Opening Game

2. What’s in the Bag Begin with a bag containing one simple item
Write down an “a”, “b” and “c” activity for which the item can be used
Place the list in the bag and hold onto it.
Example: If the bag contains yarn, it can become:
a: worm in our apple
b: the fur of Bubba Bear
c: Catina Cat’s whiskers

3. What is Zoo Phonics? Hands-on approach to learning the alphabet
Whole brain approach to learning
children learn sight, sound and action for each letter
An excellent program for pre-readers
Meets and exceeds the standards that are established for preschoolers.
A curriculum component that provides a fun and memorable way for children to learn the letters and the sounds that the letters make.
Activities are very interactive which can and should be implemented throughout the day

4. Outside or Around the School Activities That Children Enjoy
Zoo Safari
The children are invited to put on their pretend hat and binoculars and go on a safari with you. The teacher / leader should pretend to see the characters – through the fence is best.
Every time the leader names a character, ask the children to do the sound and signal for that character.
This is a fun way to transition from outside to indoors or from one activity to another.

5. Why Zoo Phonics? The alphabet is the foundation for all other learning
The children learn the letters and sounds that unlock the doors to printing and reading
It’s fun and children can relate to the animals
It gives the children a head start when they move on to elementary school

6. More Reasons Zoo Phonics “Works”
Preschoolers are now required to learn specific skills prior to graduating into Kindergarten
There are so many ideas and activities to do to incorporate the curriculum.
It’s fun!

7. Zoo Phonics Activity #1 Apple Face for Allie Alligator
2 red paper plates
1 brown pipe cleaner
2 green paper leaves
2 wiggly eyes or cut them out
Scrap paper
  Glue 2 red paper plates back to back . Leave enough space to insert a green pipe cleaner twisted in the shape of a stem. Glue on a green construction paper leaf. Then glue the 2 moveable eyes on. Make a nose and mouth to glue on.

8. When Should Zoo Phonics Be Taught?
Throughout the day: small groups, large group time, one-on-one
Utilize teachable moments for best results
In all aspects of the curriculum
At least fifteen minutes should be scheduled time for small group learning; this is when the activity on the Activity planner is implemented

9. How to Teach Zoo Phonics…
Utilize the activities in the Kaleidoscope Guides for ideas but
always gear the activities to your group’s interests and abilities
add additional challenges to the activities as needed
Zoo Phonics is designed to be playful and child- centered so have fun with it
Allow all children the chance to explore all subjects through age appropriate activities and experiences

10. Zoo Phonics Activity #2 Bubba Bear Beach Ball Games
What games can you think of to play with Bubba Bear’s
beach ball?
Let’s play!

11. Go to the Zoo Phonics World of Learning “smorgasbord”
You don’t have to eat everything all at once
Zoo Phonics can be utilized throughout all areas of the curriculum
Choose age appropriate activities for each individual child or group
Implement most activities in small groups and or individually

12. Zoo Phonics Dictionary Activity
Divide in to small groups of 3-6 staff members
Have each group pull one Zoo Phonics card from the deck of a - z cards
Each group is challenged to think up activities / games starting with the letter/character on the card that can be implemented in the
curriculum. Use a dictionary for ideas
Share the activities

13. Zoo Phonics Helpful Tips

14. Listen and Use
Zoo Phonics CD
Song with actions

15. Include Zoo Phonics
Across the Curriculum
Every Day!

16. A Zoo Phonics Board Placed at the Children’s Level is Helpful

17. Routinely Make File Folder Games
Zoo Phonics matching games, Sign and Signal Cards, etc
Rotate the games on a regular basis
Include these games in several classroom areas:
Fine motor
Science
Literacy / Writing
Quiet area / Cozy Corner

18. How to Display the Characters
Zoo Phonics characters from a -z (a for Allie to z for Zeke) should be displayed
Make the displays readable and colorful
Copy each character on colored paper
Color a copy of the characters and put them on a colored backing
Talk with the children about this display on a regular basis

19. Group Activity Let’s talk about the ideas that are in your Item Bag
Can the group come up with
additional ideas?

20. Q and A Session