Phonetic Zoo
The Phonetic Zoo, also known as Excellence in Spelling, is a distinct spelling program developed by the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). It was adapted by James Webster and Andrew Pudewa to cater to children aged 9 and up, responding to the challenges students face with traditional spelling methods. This curriculum leverages auditory learning, reflecting Pudewa's expertise in education and Webster's innovative contributions (IEW) (Cathy Duffy Reviews). The program has garnered attention for its effectiveness, particularly in improving spelling through auditory input, which ensures that students not only learn but retain correct spelling sequences (IEW).
Differentiation: What Makes It Special
Phonetic Zoo stands out due to its auditory-based approach to spelling, which is less common in traditional spelling curriculums that often rely on visual cues and memorization. This method is particularly beneficial for auditory learners and promotes independence as students can largely guide their own learning pace and sequence (Joy In Our Journey) (The Curriculum Choice). The curriculum includes multiple levels of difficulty, catering to a wide age range, and employs unique mnemonic devices like animal-themed jingles to aid memory (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
How to Get Started
To start with Phonetic Zoo, a placement test is recommended to determine the appropriate level for the student. The program offers three levels, each designed to progressively challenge the student as they master the foundational spelling rules (IEW). Purchasing the starter set includes audio CDs, lesson cards, and access to supplementary online resources like the "Spelling and the Brain" video seminar (Teach Beside Me).
How It Works
Phonetic Zoo is designed for ease of use in a homeschool setting. Parents introduce the spelling rule using a lesson card, and students use the audio CDs to work through the lessons independently. This structure allows for consistent practice and reinforcement, with students only progressing after achieving mastery of the current lesson. The program typically recommends daily sessions, varying by individual pacing (Day By Day in Our World).
Educational Concepts Taught
Phonological awareness
Memory and recall techniques
Independent learning skills
Auditory processing skills
What’s Good About It
Users appreciate Phonetic Zoo for its flexibility and the autonomy it offers students. The audio-based format allows students to engage with spelling exercises independently, making it less burdensome for parents. Additionally, the mnemonic devices and thematic learning aids help make spelling a more engaging and enjoyable activity (The Curriculum Choice) (Teach Beside Me).
What Could Be Improved
While the program is highly praised, some users note that its strictly auditory approach may not suit all learning preferences. Children who are less auditory in nature or have auditory processing difficulties might find the program challenging. Furthermore, the quality of the audio production and the repetitiveness of the voices on the CDs have been noted as areas for potential improvement (Joy In Our Journey).
Advice from Parents
Parents suggest supplementing the auditory lessons with visual or kinesthetic activities to cater to diverse learning needs. Engaging with the material in various ways can help reinforce the spelling rules and accommodate different learning preferences. Regular review and consistent practice are also recommended to ensure mastery and retention of spelling rules (The Curriculum Choice).
Ideal and Non-Ideal Fit
Phonetic Zoo is ideal for students who thrive with auditory learning and those who benefit from a structured, sequential approach to spelling. It is especially suitable for independent learners. However, it may not be the best fit for students who are primarily visual learners or those who require more interactive or tactile learning experiences (Joy In Our Journey).
Grades and Cost
Phonetic Zoo is suitable for students in grades 3 and up. The cost of the program ranges from $99 for individual level starter sets to $149 for the complete package covering all levels (IEW).
Ways to Get It
Phonetic Zoo can be purchased directly through the Institute for Excellence in Writing website or through various educational product retailers online (Teach Beside Me).
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!
Explore More Spelling Programs We Recommend
Explore our in-depth review of QuillBot, the AI-powered writing assistant that transforms homeschool writing tasks with ease and precision.
Discover how Quizizz revolutionizes homeschooling with its engaging, interactive quizzes and gamified learning, ensuring students enjoy and excel in their studies.
Discover how 2048, a free and engaging puzzle game, can enhance your child's critical thinking and strategic planning skills, making it a valuable addition to any homeschool curriculum.
Discover how Desmos transforms homeschooling with its interactive graphing tools and dynamic math lessons. Read our in-depth review to learn how this platform can enhance your child's math education.
Discover how Google Earth can transform your homeschooling with interactive, immersive geography and history lessons. Read our in-depth review for tips, pros, cons, and more.
Discover how Quizlet can enhance your homeschooling with interactive study tools and personalized learning features. Read our in-depth review by experienced educator, Manisha Snoyer.
Discover how Kahoot! turns learning into an interactive, competitive game, making education engaging and fun for homeschooling families,
Discover how Google Classroom can revolutionize your homeschooling with its interactive and organized digital platform in this in-depth review.
Explore how Roblox transforms education with its game-based platform, combining coding lessons, creativity, and interactive play for K-12 homeschoolers.
Discover how Blooket transforms learning into an interactive adventure for homeschoolers. Created by educators Tom and Ben Stewart, Blooket offers a unique blend of fun and education, making it a favorite among students and parents alike.
Discover the comprehensive in-person coding education offered by Code Ninjas. Founded by software developer David Graham, this program combines a dojo-inspired learning environment with a unique belt system to keep kids motivated. Read our in-depth review to learn how Code Ninjas can transform your child's coding journey.
Explore Modulo's expanded homeschool curriculum guide, featuring 150+ new categories. Discover a diverse range of secular, expertly vetted programs to fit every learner's needs.
ScratchJr. The baby version of Scratch, Scratch Jr is a fun, simple program to use if Scratch is too challenging for younger kids. It includes guides for instruction and 75+ activities. Like Scratch, it is more exploratory and less directional, which some parents dislike.
Discover how to teach kids to code with Scratch, even if you're not a developer. Learn why Scratch is an effective tool, get pro tips from programmer parents, and explore resources to supplement Scratch learning.
Discover NPR's Life Kit: Parenting, a podcast offering science-backed advice and practical tips from experts to help you navigate the complexities of raising children.
Are you considering Beast Academy for your child's math education? Read this comprehensive review by an experienced math teacher to find out if it's the right fit for your child's learning needs.
Discover the power of Thinkwell Homeschool's video-based courses, designed to bring dynamic, interactive learning to homeschool environments across diverse subjects.
Right Start Math review: For a highly visual, and hands-on math curriculum, Right Start Math is a favorite mastery-based choice for families that dislike worksheets. A phenomenal option for kids who thrive with hands-on-learning, gifted kids, and also children with dyscalculia.
Discover how Vocabulary Virtuoso stands out as a critical thinking-enhanced vocabulary textbook in our detailed review. Ideal for homeschoolers preparing for higher academic challenges.
Explore our comprehensive review of Vocabulary Cartoons, where visual learning meets fun vocabulary enhancement. Ideal for homeschoolers seeking an engaging, mnemonic-based educational tool
Explore our in-depth review of Vocabulary Workshop, a structured program designed to expand vocabulary and enhance language comprehension for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Discover how it uniquely supports critical thinking and comprehensive language use.
Dive into our comprehensive review of The New York Times Word of the Day, a unique tool blending daily vocabulary with current events to enrich teen learning
Discover Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS), a program uniquely designed to support dyslexics with typing, reading, and spelling through an engaging, multi-sensory approach. Read our in-depth review to see how it can benefit learners across all grades.
Explore the Phonetic Zoo, a unique auditory spelling curriculum perfect for independent learners. Full review inside.
Explore our in-depth review of Spelling City, where we dissect how its interactive games transform spelling and vocabulary learning for homeschoolers.
Explore how the NYT Spelling Bee can transform your homeschooling experience with unique daily puzzles that challenge and enhance vocabulary and spelling skills.
Dive into our expert review of Natural Speller, the adaptable spelling curriculum for grades 1-8, crafted to fit every learner’s pace and progress in homeschool settings.
Discover how All About Spelling can transform learning for dyslexic students with its structured, multisensory approach, reviewed by education expert Manisha Snoyer.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v2/namespaces/memberAccountAvatars/libraries/5d7ab498c194df04021d0c43/aa9cf37d3df8412e88639b7ced3a5cf6/aa9cf37d3df8412e88639b7ced3a5cf6.jpeg?format=300w)
For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.
Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.
I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.
I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.
During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.
I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.
In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.
My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.
My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.
I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.
In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.
And I love to learn!
Discover how Sudoku can enhance your homeschooling curriculum by boosting logical reasoning and problem-solving skills with engaging puzzles suitable for K-12.