1. Zoo-Phonics
1.1. What is Zoo Phonics?
1.1.1. Multisensory Language Arts Program is a kinesthetic, multi-modal approach to learning all aspects of language arts, including vocabulary development and articulation, based on phonics and phonemic awareness.
1.1.2. Zoo Phonics is a method developed to make children strong readers and spellers using a “phono” (hearing), “oral” (speaking), “visual” (seeing), “kinesthetic” (moving), and tactile (touching)—whole brain approach. Students actually learn the sounds of the alphabet and advanced phonemic concepts through an easily understood, concrete method of presentation.
1.1.3. The curriculum is age-appropriate, developmental, sequential and playful.
1.1.3.1. It is fully kinesthetic and multi-sensorial—children use their eyes, ears, mouths and bodies to learn.
1.1.3.2. Preschool children will begin sound blending, spelling, and writing by mid-year or earlier.
2. The Creative Curriculum
2.1. Goals
2.2. Thematic Units. Learning according to units, Creative Curriculum is learning by doing.
2.2.1. Classroom Culture
2.2.1.1. o Students have choice in what they learn- topic choice o Utilizes Collaborative and Cooperative Learning o Share the same learning goals o Creates a community of learners o Not all teacher-student centered, this is student centered
2.2.2. Curriculum Advancement
2.2.2.1. oTechnology in the classroom o Integrates Word Processing Skills into Creative Activities o Time savers- teaching multiple subjects at one time
2.2.3. Variety within learning
2.2.3.1. o Makes for well-rounded students (experienced many different ways of learning) o Keeps students engaged through making learning activities fun/variety o Teacher is able to be creative, authentic, and original (as well as the students) o Expands your Assessment Strategies o Can integrate all subjects and use literacy within those subjects
2.3. Connections
2.3.1. o Helps students understand connections and how to connect
2.3.2. o Draw connections from the real world
2.3.3. o Focuses the Learner on the Mastery of Objectives/Overall Goals