Zoo Phonics: Heart of the Matter Giveaway!

I interrupt my Blog Vacation -- which I promise to come back from soon -- for this exciting announcement (he he)

Heart of the Matter Online, which happens to be the best online source for encouragement, information and inspiration for home education, is having an AWESOME Giveaway! Zoo-Phonics is graciously donating an entire Kindergarten Kit (valued around $300!) to a lucky reader.

As followers of this blog know, my girls know their letters and sounds. They have known them for over a year, thanks to the Leap Frog videos. Both have shown an interest in learning to read, Jordan in particular, but I have been hesitant to do much reading instruction beyond the videos. The main reason is because of cost, as we are in the midst of working the Dave Ramsey plan, but I have also waited because I was fearful of taking the joy out of learning. I love their enthusiasm for the written word and am very cautious to not cause that flame to flicker due to boring exercises and worksheets. Keeping our learning joyful is very important to me.

The reason I am intrigued about Zoo-Phonics, and this contest at Heart of the Matter, is because this product looks different than many others that I have seen! Below I have listed just a few of the things that I love about this product:

• The body movement for each animal letter appeals to kinesthetic learners and helps cement the phonemic information into memory. My youngest, Cali, is a TOTAL Kinesthetic learner! This is one learning style that I can't totally relate to and am working on ways to bring this style into our living learning environment. I LOVE that this is a point they use to describe their product!!!
• Phonemic patterns (at, bat, fat, sat, etc) are taught first rather than a random list of words (of, it, then, was, etc.) This just makes sense to me. . . is there really another way?
• Phonics is taught as an integrated part of the language process.
• Extensive literature lists are also included to accompany each of the lessons as well as teacher’s resources and audio/video/music selections. We love our literature lists around here! And I LOVE when I can integrate great literature into the lesson or theme!
• The Readers are available in 3 reading levels that include short sentences or stories about each animal in the Zoo-Phonics lineup (A-Z). My girls, especially Jordan LOVE LOVE LOVE animals! I know this would make them excited to learn to read, by reading tales of their favorite animals! And I love that the levels build on each other.
• There is a Signal Practice Video!!! I am definitely a visual learner and am so worried about teaching them incorrectly by saying something wrong or not showing them exactly as the writers of the curriculum intend. I love that I can see it to KNOW that I am doing it right!

As I said, these are just a few of the things I love about this product description! I also love the fun games that are included to make it a fun family experience. Really, you MUST go check out this product review at Heart of the Matter. . . Karin did an amazing job reviewing this product and if it is HALF as good as she described, then it would be a very wise investment.

Thank you HOTM for continuing to keep us updated on the tons of wonderful products at the home educator's disposal, and for blessing so many with your wonderful giveaways!