Zoo Phonics Teacher Training Scavenger Hunt – Opening Game
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
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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
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!
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
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
Zoo Phonics Helpful Tips
Listen and Use Zoo Phonics CD Song with actions
Include Zoo Phonics Across the Curriculum Every Day!
A Zoo Phonics Board Placed at the Children’s Level is Helpful
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
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
Group Activity Let’s talk about the ideas that are in your Item Bag Can the group come up with additional ideas?
Q and A Session