The Phonetic Zoo Teacher’s Notes

by Andrew Pudewa,
James B. Webster, Ph.D.,
and Jill Pike
Also by Andrew Pudewa Also by James B. Webster, Ph.D.
Advanced Communication Series Bible-Based Writing Lessons
Advanced Spelling and Vocabulary Blended Structure and Style in Composition
Bible-Based Writing Lessons Phonetic Zoo Spelling Program
High School Essay Intensive Also by Jill Pike
Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization
Phonetic Zoo Spelling Program Primary Arts of Language: Reading Program
The Profound Effects of Music on Life Primary Arts of Language: Writing Program
Speech Boot Camp Printing with Letter Stories
Student Writing Intensive Student Writing Intensive Handouts
SWI Continuation Course SWI Continuation Course Handouts
Teaching Writing: Structure and Style A Syllabus for Introduction to Literary Analysis
The Two Andrews: On Writing and Teaching Writing

The purchase of this book entitles its owner to access Andrew Pudewa’s talk “Spelling and the Brain.” Go to IEW.com/EIS-SB.

Copyright Policy Our duplicating/copying policy for this Institute for Excellence in Writing
The Phonetic Zoo Teacher’s Notes Teacher’s Manual: 8799 N. 387 Road
All rights reserved. Locust Grove, OK 74352
Second Edition version 2, 2016
No part of this teacher’s manual may be 800.856.5815
Copyright © 1999 by Andrew Pudewa
modified, reproduced, transmitted from [email protected]
Copyright © 2008 by Jill Pike the initial retrieval system, distributed, IEW.com
ISBN: 978-1-62341-257-9 or otherwise transmitted in any form or
by any means including, but not limited Printed in the United States of America
to, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, IEW® is a registered trademark of the Institute
recording, or otherwise, without the prior for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C.
written permission of the author, except as
provided by U.S.A. copyright law.
Accessing Your Downloads
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§§ The Phonetic Zoo Teacher’s Manual e-book
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§§ Spelling and the Brain (streaming video)
8. The streaming video of Spelling and the Brain
§§ Spelling and the Brain (MP3)
can be viewed at IEW.com/EIS-E.
§§ The Spelling Concerto (MP3)
§§ Spelling Test Worksheet Please note: You are free to download these
e-resources as needed for use within your immediate
§§ A Zoo for the Phonetic Zoo Cards
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* The contents are identical to this spiral-bound book.

Contents
How to Use the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 LESSON 18 Homophones II . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 LESSON 39 Six Consonants Rock I . . . . . . . . 96

Why Use The Phonetic Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . 11 LESSON 19 ph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 LESSON 40 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

A Brief History of the Blended LESSON 20 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 LESSON 41 Six Consonants Rock II . . . . . . 100
Sound-Sight Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 LESSON 21 No Job E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 LESSON 42 Rhino Words (Silent Letters) . . . 102
LESSON 1 ai and ay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 LESSON 22 The Syllable E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 LESSON 43 The Three Shuns . . . . . . . . . . . 104
LESSON 2 The ie Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 LESSON 23 Sounds of Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 LESSON 44 Homophones III . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
LESSON 3 The First Vowel Talks . . . . . . . . . 22 LESSON 24 The Magic E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 LESSON 45 The Talkative Vowels . . . . . . . . 107
LESSON 4 Radio O-U-G-H . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 LESSON 25 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 LESSON 46 Jail Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
LESSON 5 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . 26 LESSON 26 The Decorative E . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 LESSON 47 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . 112
LESSON 6 Homophones I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 LESSON 27 American-Canadian . . . . . . . . . . 72 LEVEL C Lessons 48, 49, and 50 . . . . . . 115
Air Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 LESSON 28 oo and ui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 FINAL EXAM Level A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
LESSON 7 Open o or ow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 LESSON 29 The Tricky E’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 FINAL EXAM Level B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
LESSON 8 Two Families: ite and ight . . . . . . 34 LESSON 30 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . 78 FINAL EXAM Level C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
LESSON 9 The Steely E’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 LESSON 31 ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 APPENDIX 1 Placement Test . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
LESSON 10 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 LESSON 32 oi and oy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 APPENDIX 2 Student Test Sheet . . . . . . . . . 124
LESSON 11 The Babysitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 LESSON 33 qu and gu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 APPENDIX 3 Six Syllable Types . . . . . . . . . . 125
LESSON 12 ou and ow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 LESSON 34 oo (as in look) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 APPENDIX 4 240 Commonly
ow and exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Misspelled Words . . . . . . . . . . . 126
LESSON 13 LESSON 35 Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . 88
aw and au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 APPENDIX 5 The Phonetic Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . 128
LESSON 14 LESSON 36 Consonant Blends . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Personal Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 APPENDIX 6 Common Homophones . . . . . . . 129
LESSON 15 LESSON 37 Plurals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
ur and ir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 APPENDIX 7 A Zoo for the
LESSON 16 LESSON 38 The Poker E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Phonetic Zoo Cards . . . . . . . . . 133
LESSON 17 Voiced/Whispered Consonants . . . 52
SUPPORT THE SPELLING CONCERTO
If you have any problems or questions as you begin to use The The introductory music for this program, “The Spelling
Phonetic Zoo materials, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send a Concerto,” was composed and recorded by Dean Anderson. The
question or comment by email. We are committed to your success entire composition as an MP3 is included with the downloads.
with this program, and we will do everything in our power to assist (See the blue page in the front of this book.)
you in implementing it effectively.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
GUARANTEE Dean Anderson, Marcia McCarry 1932–2012, Scott Oplinger,
If you use this program and your students do not dramatically Shirley George, and to all the Blended Sound-Sight staff and
improve their spelling, we will happily refund your purchase price. teachers everywhere, most especially to Anna G. Ingham, C.M.
If you just don’t like these materials for any reason whatsoever, you 1911–2013, who made it all possible.
may, of course, return them for a full refund. Your satisfaction is
our guarantee.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 3

4 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES
How to Use This Program
CONTENTS QUICK START GUIDE
Each level of The Phonetic Zoo spelling program includes Preparation
§§ five audio CDs, labeled Disc One through Disc Five (Level C 1. Watch Andrew Pudewa’s Spelling and the Brain.
has six CDs.) 2. Set up a spelling station with the spelling materials, a device
§§ set of large flash cards to play the audio, and headphones.
§§ set of small Zoo Cards 3. With your student, listen to the introduction of the course.
You will find that all your materials along with your own personal The Lesson
CD player and headphones will fit conveniently in a shoebox. 4. Teach the lesson, presenting the rule and exploring the
Putting the large flash cards on a ring and keeping the Zoo Cards discussion points provided in these teacher’s notes.
together with a rubber band or in a small plastic bag will keep 5. Present the zoo card.
them from being misplaced.
6. Be sure your students know how to use the device to play and
pause the audio.
Student Practice
Although all three word lists (A, B, and C) are included on
the flash cards, students will work through only one level at 7. Prepare a test sheet.
a time as they progress through the forty-seven lessons. 8. Using headphones, listen to the audio to take the test.
9. Listen to the corrections, writing down each word next to the
If you are not sure you are starting with the correct level, word on their test sheet.
there is a placement test in Appendix 1 of these notes. If
10. Compare the lists, correcting the misspelled words.
you determine that you should have purchased a different
level, contact Excellence in Writing, and they will gladly 11. Take the test every day until 100 percent twice in a row
work out an exchange. is achieved.
12. Move onto the next lesson after discussing it with
your teacher.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 5

How to Use This Program

TEACHER PREP THE LESSON

Watch Andrew Pudewa explain Spelling and the Brain Present the Rule
See the blue page in the front of this book to download the audio Use the large flash card to present the rule for the lesson. All the
or stream the video. words for all three levels of The Phonetic Zoo are contained on the
flash cards, so they are useful for working with students of mixed
The talk will reinforce foundational concepts and familiarize you
ages and abilities.
with the “how to” of the program. Although there is no reason
to prevent your students from watching with you, there is also Read the rule out loud (from the back of the card), and have your
no particular reason why they should. The information is for the student read and spell aloud the three words on the front of the
parent or teacher. card which correspond to the chosen level. Briefly discuss how the
animal name shown on the front meets the rule of the lesson. The
Organize Your Materials Teacher’s Notes include a deeper explanation of the spelling rules,
Set up a station or box for your materials. Students will need some history behind the rule, and additional commentary to add to
§§ paper (lined, loose-leaf, or spiral) your understanding of spelling.
§§ pen Students may use the lesson card to use to study independently if
§§ headphones they wish.
§§ a device to listen to the CDs or MP3 download Present the Small Zoo Card
If you did not purchase the audio component, plan to use the The front of the Zoo Card includes the lesson title and animals
lesson cards to give the test orally each day. whose names illustrate the spelling rule. On the back of the card is
the rule or jingle that accompanies each lesson.
The Zoo Cards will serve not only as a reminder of the rule and
animals which correspond with it, but also as a motivational tool
because as your students progress through the lessons, they will see
their animal collection grow.

6 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 How to Use This Program

Students may wish to display their Zoo Cards on their bedroom see the article “Convert to Pens” at IEW.com/convert.
or classroom wall. They may also cut out the animals to create a
Headphones. The spelling tests are available on CDs or as MP3
Phonetic Zoo if they wish.
downloads. (The MP3s come with the CDs. Look for a blue card
Use a Spelling Station in the box of CDs.)
Have a dedicated place for your Phonetic Zoo materials so that Students who use this program with headphones will reap the
your students can do their spelling independently every day. greatest benefits. With headphones, the sound and the experience
Equip the station with the it provides are close to the ear and to the brain. Plus, there are no
following: Student Spelling Test Sheet
distractions or auditory interferences. It becomes a personal and
intimate activity, making the goal of mastering a spelling lesson
Paper. Students should
Name ____________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Score ____________

1.
even more of an individual challenge. They will develop a strong
prepare their paper by 2.
sense of “ownership” of the program, and they will enjoy the
numbering 1–15 on the 3.
change in routine it provides. Use headphones!
left side, double-spaced 4.

(leaving a blank space 5.

Listen to the Introduction: Disc 1, Track 1
between lines). 6.
The student will need to listen to the introduction just once. After
A sample test sheet is 7. the introduction is finished, be sure that he knows how to use the
pictured in Appendix 2 8. device to skip to the track he needs for each lesson. Corrections
and provided with the 9. for each lesson are on a separate track. The student can look on
downloads. See the blue 10. the back of The Phonetic Zoo CD case to see which disc and track
page in the front of this 11. number correspond to each lesson.
manual for download 12.
Note: If you are using the Budget Package without the CDs, listen
instructions. 13.
to The Phonetic Zoo audio sample on the Excellence in Writing
website. It contains the introduction and first test.
Pen, not pencil. For a 14.

detailed explanation on the 15.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Use the test in the sample as a model for how to present the
benefits of pen over pencil, other lessons.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 7

How to Use This Program

Take the Test Compare and Correct

At first, the lesson may proceed too rapidly, and the student might Once all the words are rewritten, students should compare the two
be frustrated by not being able to keep up. Explain that this is words on each line and correct any misspellings using the space
normal, and encourage him to pause the CD at any time. Each test above each word.
is less than ten minutes long.
Count the words that were spelled correctly, and write that number
Rewrite the Words on the page.
Student Spelling Test Sheet
After the test, continue Sally Smith
Name ____________________________________________________ Oct. 10
Date ________________________ 13
Score ____________
You may find that your students might not always catch all their
by listening to the 1. brain brain
errors. That is OK. After they have finished with their corrections,
corrections. Students 2. played played
you may like to check them as well, correcting the spelling above
should rewrite each word 3. chaind chained
their attempt. Smile a lot, and don’t feel you have to continuously
next to their attempt on 4. railway railway
point out the errors. Frequency will do its job. Gradually, speed and
the spelling test. Thus, 5. pail pail
ability to write the words and letters they hear will improve.
each word will be spelled 6. sailed sailed

Even if students misspell many words the first time through, don’t
out twice. 7. train train

8. painful painful
worry. Tell them to relax. Speed and accuracy will improve with
Strong visual learners may 9. tray tray
repetition. Place the emphasis on how many are “right,” not on
be happier to correct their paint paint
how many are “wrong.” Be enthusiastic about their progress.
lessons by copying the list
10.

on the back of the lesson

11. raisen raisin
100 Percent Twice in a Row
Students should take the test every day until they achieve a 100
trailing trailing
card. Have them say
12.

the letters aloud as they percent score twice in a row. Our goal is excellence in spelling. 100
13. grain grain

rewrite them. percent twice in a row ensures mastery of each list. Interestingly,
14. always always

this goal is not usually discouraging to students. Instead, it

15. contain contain
THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

becomes a challenge to pursue.

8 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Personal Spelling Lessons words to make the program last longer, this book provides
(5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 47) alternative leveled word lists for each personal spelling lesson.
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson. Verbal instructions Final Exam
on the CD direct the student to collect words on the blank spaces
of the lesson cards. There is a final exam at the end of each level. The instructions for
taking and evaluating the final exam are on the audio and included
The personal spelling words are to be gathered from errors in in the Teacher’s Notes.
written compositions as well as vocabulary from other language
arts curricula. Students should be responsible for collecting their Each is quite long, using words from each rule. The scoring guide
own list of words. Since the lesson will not be on the CD, students indicates whether the student has accomplished the goals of the
may create their own recording for this test or have a fellow program and is ready to progress to the next level, or should repeat
student conduct the test for them. Thus, the independent nature of this same level again.
this program is preserved. In preparation for the final exam, you may want to “spot check”
The personal spelling lessons are a vitally important part of the the student with words from different lessons, using the flash cards
Excellence in Spelling program. However, if you need a set of to help.
spelling words for this lesson, or would like additional spelling

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 9

10 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES
Why Use The Phonetic Zoo
Why do we call this program The Phonetic Zoo? Well, for a couple Although you can begin immediately by reading the “How to Use
of reasons. When you have a room full of crazy and unpredictable this Program” section, be sure to plan a time to watch Andrew
people, you might say, “It’s a zoo in there!” Our English spelling Pudewa’s Spelling and the Brain to familiarize yourself with this
rules are about as crazy and unpredictable as any language on method of spelling instruction. (See the blue page for instructions
earth, and in trying to master them, one might feel that they are on how to access the video.)
like wild animals—crazy, illogical, and challenging. Since children
love animals, the stranger the better, we managed to find for each A MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH
lesson a few animals whose names match the spelling Rule, Jingle,
The Phonetic Zoo is based on teacher Anna Ingham’s effective
or Hint. Thus, The Phonetic Zoo.
Blended Sound-Sight Program of Learning. Fifty years ago,
Good spelling demonstrates literacy, education, and intelligence. It long before psychologists and educators began to talk of auditory
is important. These days, spell-checkers on our computers can save learners versus visual learners, Mrs. Ingham discovered that all
many an embarrassment, but a computer is not always available, students learn better when what they see is reinforced by hearing,
nor is it a replacement for full comprehension. Consequently, and when what they hear is reinforced by being seen. Thus, the
spelling remains an important skill, and The Phonetic Zoo can help “blending of sound and sight” is a most effective educational
your students to achieve excellence in spelling. approach for language arts study.
The Phonetic Zoo spelling program includes With determination and persistence Mrs. Ingham fought the great
battle against whole language extremists in Canada, almost single-
§§ these Teacher’s Notes
handedly, and schools that have used her program consistently
§§ set of large flash cards have virtually eliminated reading problems. We have attempted
§§ set of small Zoo Cards to develop a spelling program which effectively recreates Mrs.
§§ five audio CDs, labeled Disc One through Disc Five (Level C Ingham’s Sound City spelling rules, using the theme of animals
has six CDs.) and a zoo.
§§ MP3 audios provided with the CDs or purchased separately Although not all of the possible spelling rules are presented in The
Phonetic Zoo, enough of them are provided in a fun way. Students

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 11

Why Use The Phonetic Zoo

will learn to look for patterns and discover other rules as they from hearing the rules and words—something that a textbook is
explore spelling. This program provides your students with enough unable to facilitate. A student who is strong kinesthetically wants
rules to be successful, but not too many to be discouraged. to feel and move, anchoring information to the brain through
the body.
A BRIEF REVIEW OF BASIC NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Most toddlers are primarily kinesthetic, secondarily auditory, and
Spelling is the correct retrieval of sequentially stored, virtually lastly visual in learning style. Most older people are exactly the
random bits of information. Therefore, there are two activities opposite. For young students just learning to read, write, spell,
involved in spelling: correctly storing information in the brain and and do arithmetic, auditory input is still extremely important and
correctly retrieving that information. Those who teach spelling must not be neglected by the teacher. Unfortunately, textbooks and
should not only understand how the brain works, but must also worksheets are exclusively visual and often do not provide the most
use that understanding to create an optimal learning approach for efficient method of study.
students who may have very different learning styles.
The brain acquires information through the sensory pathways: SPELLING IS SEQUENTIAL
sight, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. Once information Words consist of letters, but if you do not have your letters in the
gets to the brain, it is stored when brain cells (neurons) send correct order, your spelling is incorrect. Virtually every teacher
electrochemical impulses to other brain cells. Connections or parent has seen students who will write a word like waer or
are made, and “circuits” are then reinforced by three variables: gril or turtel, in which they did get all the letters, but because
frequency, intensity, and duration. In simpler terms, humans learn the order was wrong, the word is hard to decipher. Spelling is
best by seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are very frequent, sequential because the order of letters (not just getting the right
very intense, or very long lasting. There is no other way. ones) determines the word. How can sequence be taught most
effectively?
A student who is strong visually will be more able to learn spelling
from textbooks and worksheets since his visual pathway may be the When you see a word­—special, for example—you are forced by
most reliable, and visual input will be the most accurate for him. A nature to see it all at once. Since the letters go into your brain
student who is strong auditorily will be more able to learn spelling simultaneously, there is no sequential storage of the information.

12 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Why Use The Phonetic Zoo

Vision is a global sense. There is a spatial storage, but not a frequency to make the knowledge permanent and second nature.
sequential one. Consequently, if a student has even a mild dyslexia However, consistency is difficult to attain.
or difficulty in processing abstract visual information, we cannot
Thus, the use of audio recordings combined with flash cards
be assured that the information is being stored properly (i.e., in the
and dramatic images provides for a consistent and organized
correct sequence) in the brain. All the letters are seen at the same
presentation of information in a format that allows individual
moment.
study and an individualized rate of progress through the materials.
However, when the same word is spelled out loud (s‑p‑e‑c‑i‑a‑l), Students can listen repeatedly, hear the same thing consistently,
the letters go into the brain one at a time, in a precise sequence. In do the same test each day, and continue until a perfect score has
fact, they can only be received in sequence. Therefore, since spelling been achieved. For the best possible effect, require that the score of
is sequential in nature, auditory input is the best possible way to 100 percent be achieved twice. This will ensure that each student,
accurately store spelling information in the brain. Words correctly through maximized frequency, learns the lessons thoroughly.
stored will more likely be correctly retrieved.
Coupling the auditory, letter-by-letter sequencing with the HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE ALL
presentation of letter groups and the unique sounds they make, FORTY‑SEVEN LESSONS?
The Phonetic Zoo effectively helps students learn to spell. This will vary greatly from student to student. We do not suggest
any specific timeline for completion, but we do insist on a goal of
MAXIMIZING FREQUENCY complete mastery. Therefore, students should continue to repeat
Information is stored in the brain through sensory stimulation the same lesson every day until a score of 100 percent is achieved
given with frequency, intensity, and duration. As the same type twice in a row.
of stimulation is given again and again, the neural connections Most students will complete a lesson in four to seven tries, about
which store that information are strengthened, and with enough one lesson a week. Some lessons are harder than others. While one
frequency the connections become permanent, and learning is student may achieve the 100 percent score twice in three or four
complete. In teaching spelling, the real trick involves the accurate days, others may take five, seven, even ten or more days. This is not
transmission (and reception) of the information with enough a problem. Simply do a lesson every day, and you will see progress.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 13

Why Use The Phonetic Zoo

With one lesson every week, the program lasts at least a year. For
slower students it may last even longer.
Using the Zoo Cards to review past spelling rules as they apply
to new words will help students retain the spelling information
stored in their brains. A template to create a “Phonetic Zoo,”
which uses the small Zoo Cards as cage doors, is located in the
Appendix. By displaying the zoo in a classroom, teachers will have
a ready-made review center easily accessible to students looking for
spelling reminders.

14 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

A Brief History of the Blended Sound-Sight Program
Anna Ingham began her career as a schoolteacher in 1935, hear a conversation with a radio blaring. So Mrs. Ingham simply
teaching in a one-room rural schoolhouse. Her forty pupils closed her classroom door and turned the “radio” off.
ranged in age from five to fifteen years of age, in ability from
Creating all her own materials, she began to develop her Sound
slow to exceptional, in work ethic from sporadic to diligent, and
City, where both individual letters and letter combinations lived
in grade from one to ten. It is amazing that schoolteachers could
and talked. She did not go back to the archaic method of letter
accomplish anything under those conditions, but Mrs. Ingham
and blend drills completely divorced from words. Instead, she used
determined to make it work. She quickly discovered that she had
poetry, pantomimes, and play to integrate phonics and words. Her
to design a system of organization and management in which
excited students explored Sound City every day, discovering how
the students learned and were happy to do so. Using the Golden
all those sounds worked together in words. Words were never
Rule, “Do unto others as you would that they should do unto
neglected; in fact they were richly integrated in literature and
you,” Mrs. Ingham organized her students into multi-grade teams
poetry. Mrs. Ingham blended the critical phonetic sounds with
where they could encourage one another. This freed her to become
the whole word sight method, the Blended Sound-Sight Method,
a facilitator to keep the learning process moving forward, the
which enabled all her students to both sound out words and read
learning environment lively, and the learning goals of each student
fluently when they graduated from her first grade classroom.
near and clear.
The key to the success of the Blended Sound-Sight system,
After many years in the rural schools, Mrs. Ingham moved into
however, was not Mrs. Ingham’s teaching tools, but her choice
a single-grade city classroom where she had the opportunity to
to begin with the Golden Rule. She was sensitive to students’
focus on first grade students. The most monumental hurdle for
needs, consistent, a good listener, firm with love, as well as a wise
Mrs. Ingham in this school was reintroducing phonics into an
counselor to each individual. After providing her students with the
educational system enamored with the “Look and Say” method.
basic tools of learning, she showed them how to work respectfully
Teachers were encouraged to use words to teach letter sounds and
and quietly both as a group and independently. Thus, Mrs. Ingham
focus on the whole over the parts. Mrs. Ingham discovered that
was able to adequately provide each individual and each group the
this method did not work. Her students couldn’t hear the letter
attention that was needed in order to learn. The results astounded
sounds when they were mixed up in a word—it was like trying to

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 15

A Brief History of the Blended Sound-Sight Program

visiting teachers. After observing Anna’s classroom of thirty-one Mrs. Ingham’s dedication to providing each of her students
first grade students, one teacher wrote: with clear, incremental goals coupled with consistency and firm
love produced phenomenal results. The independence and joy
On our arrival what stood out in our minds was that of achievement that she fostered in the one-room schoolhouse
all the pupils were reading with a feeling of joy and transferred beautifully into the graded classroom.
accomplishment after only eight weeks of school. … As we
stood there observing the class move independently about The spelling rules and jingles presented in The Phonetic Zoo
the room with efficiency and respect, we were spellbound. come from decades of teaching experience of Anna Ingham, her
The children seemed to be working toward goals which daughter Shirley George, and her nephew Dr. James B. Webster.
they understood and which were attainable. … By spring we Together, they refined Sound City and created fun and memorable
marveled at the children’s spelling ability. … Mrs. Ingham ways to learn so many spelling rules. Andrew Pudewa counts it
explained that because of the controlled reader vocabulary a great privilege to have been able to work with all three of these
so familiar to the children [frequency], because of the many great teachers and, together with Dr. Webster, to preserve their
devices such as Sound City, Jingles, Jail, and Ghost, and hard work in The Phonetic Zoo.
because spelling was integrated into all subjects including
poetry, good spelling became a natural outcome of the
children’s learning.

16 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

The Phonetic Zoo Lessons

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 17

Lesson 1: ai and ay
This first lesson helps students distinguish between two ways of LESSON 1 WORD LISTS
spelling the long-a sound: ai or ay.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT brain claimed ailing
When ai says “ā” as in claim and chain, played slain complainant
caiman
It comes in the middle as in train and pain. chained strain plaintiff
But when ay says “ā” as in jay and portray,
It comes at the end. See decay and delay. railway Wednesday ailment
Don’t let suffixes betray you as in decayed. pail complaining slay
The root never changes. See playful and played. sailed mailed proclaimed
Example Words: train hailed maim
A: brain, always, pain painful regaining trailway
B: wailing, decay, sailor tray painter tailored
C: ailment, portrayal, tailored manta ray paint restrained painstakingly
raisin complaint rainproof
Since this is the first lesson, make sure your students understand the trailing delayed claimant
process to follow each day:
1. Set up the paper and know how to use the CD player. grain sailor faithfully
2. Take the test. always grained portrayal
3. Rewrite the corrections. contain decayed constraint
4. Compare spellings.
Take the same test daily until the students achieve 100 percent
twice in a row.

18 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 1: ai and ay

LESSON 1 DISCUSSION POINTS students hear “d” or “t,” they need to THE PHONETIC ZOO
Each lesson will include a few discussion put -ed. One of the problems with spelling is that
points to explain some of the other §§ Also review compound words where in English there is more than one way
spelling rules that are expressed in the lists. two complete words are combined (as to spell a sound. In the “Spelling and the
in railway, trailway, and rainproof). Brain” talk, Andrew Pudewa describes the
All Levels Remind students that the only way Sound City developed by Anna Ingham to
§§ Discuss the difference between a root to determine if a word is a compound organize the phonograms.
word and a suffix. The suffixes used word is to check the dictionary.
Since this program’s theme is a zoo, you
in these lists are: -ant, -ed, -ing, -ful,
Level B could put together a “Phonetic Zoo”
-s, -ly, and -al. You may want to begin
§§ To be spelled correctly, Wednesday to organize the sounds. If desired, see
a Suffix Chart for your classroom. In
must be capitalized. Explain that it is a Appendix 5 for suggestions to organize a
spelling, students should identify the
proper noun. zoo as you go through these lessons.
root word, spell it, and then add the
suffix (examples: play/played, pain/ This week’s lesson opens the zoo with
painful, alway/always). You may want Level C two enclosures on A Street: ai (caiman)
to have your student go through the §§ Note that painstakingly uses the and ay (manta ray). Be sure to include the
list, underline all the roots, and circle vowel-consonant-e pattern to make example words in the correct enclosures.
the suffixes. Take note of the roots that the a long as in stake. However, when
have the ay before the suffix. the -ing suffix is added, the silent e is
§§ Review the pronunciation of the suffix dropped.
-ed. Sometimes it says “ed,” sometimes
“t,” and sometimes just “d.” Don’t let
your ear fool you (as in chained). In
these kinds of words, even though

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 19

Lesson 2: The ie Rule
There are many ways to spell the sound of long-e. One way is with LESSON 2 WORD LISTS
ie or ei. This lesson reinforces which one to use, using the most Note: As the words are spelled on the CD, you may need to explain
beloved spelling rule: “i before e …” to American students that Canadians pronounce the letter z
as “zed.”
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
When the sound is “ee,” it might be A B C
“i before e except after c as in cockatiel, relieve shriek seizure
grievous, and deceit.” belief relief piece
Watch the few exceptions. conceive seized ceiling
Example Words either grieve shrieked
A: relief, conceive, seize field yield grenadier
B: grieve, deceive, neither thief sieve hygiene
C: hygiene, ceiling, leisurely grief retrieve conceiving
wieners deceit leisurely
neither cockatiels diesel
cockatiel seize deceived fiendishly
perceived receipt retrieval
shield briefly weird
believe yielding mischievous
being perceived liege
yield wielded deceitful

20 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 2: The ie Rule

LESSON 2 DISCUSSION POINTS §§ The word being isn’t really an §§ Note the No Job E (Lesson 21) at
You will find multiple rules at work in exception because it does not really the end of hygiene. Also, the Tricky
some of these spelling words. have an ei pair. Be is the root with an E (Lesson 29) that flees due to the
-ing suffix. -ing and -al suffixes in conceiving and
All Levels retrieval.
Level B §§ Define grenadier. It comes from the
§§ It may help to explain that when the
letter c is followed by an e, i, or y, it §§ Find the exception: seized. Seize that French root grenade and refers to
changes its sound from hard “k” to soft word and put it in jail for disobeying special corps or regiments of soldiers.
“s.” This rule will be covered in Lesson the rule.
38 (The Poker E). Level A: conceive, §§ Notice the silent letter p in receipt. THE PHONETIC ZOO
perceived. Level B: deceit, deceived, §§ Note the Decorative E (Lesson 26) at If you are building a Phonetic Zoo (see
receipt, perceived. Level C: piece, ceiling, the end of grieve, sieve, retrieve, and the Appendix 5), the words that obey this
hygiene, conceiving, liege, and deceitful. roots of deceived and perceived. The e lesson’s rule live on E Street. The enclosure
is there because no English word ends can be labeled “ie” (cockatiel) with an extra
Level A in u or v, so decorate it with an e. This pen for the “c + ei” pattern. Include a few
§§ Find the exceptions and come up with will be taught in Lesson 26. of the example words.
ways to remember them:
Level C Be sure to include a Jail in your Phonetic
• either, neither—neither of these Zoo for the words that disobey the rules
words obey the rule. §§ Find the exceptions and come up with
ways to remember them: (exception words). Silent letter words such
• seize—seize that word and put it in as receipt can live in the Rhino Pen.
jail for disobeying the rule. • Seizure has the root seize. Seize that
§§ Note the Decorative E (Lesson 26) word and put it in jail!
at the end of believe. The e is there • Leisurely was too lazy to follow
because no English word ends in u or the rule.
v, so decorate it with an e. • Weird is just weird!

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 21

Lesson 3: The First Vowel Talks
The rule “the first vowel walking does the talking” is a common LESSON 3 WORD LISTS
spelling rule that is explored here. A vowel’s name is its long sound.
When a vowel “makes its sound,” it makes its short sound. A B C
seal beaver sneakiness
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT goat boar reproach
When two vowels go walking, peacock feather spreading treasure
the first one often does the talking
Either shouting out its name peacock retreat reasonable
as in goat, leaf, and pain, boat goalie soared
Or making its sound as in leather ready death leatherback
as well as measure,
pleasure, and feather. leaf pleated pleadingly
Rarely is the rule broken, mate! coal gloated boastfully
but watch for break, steak, and great. heavily measure pleasurable
leopard
Example Words treat eaves treaty
A: leaf, coal, people roast bloated foal
B: spread, gloat, measure readily deadly retreadable
death
C: reasonable, soared, pleasurable adder
tie foe poultry
toe pied maelstrom
people leopard mischievous

22 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 3: The First Vowel Talks

LESSON 3 DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ The root word in sneakiness is sneaky. The following pairs can be added to the
When the suffix -ness is added, the streets in the Phonetic Zoo:
§§ Peacock is a good example of the rule root’s ending y is changed to i.
that ck is used at the end of a word §§ E Street: ea (long-e sound)
after a short vowel. Since single short §§ Maelstrom in the C list is another
unusual word. It is from old Dutch and §§ O Street: oa, ou
vowels need to be protected from the §§ I Street: ie (for the long-i sound)
“kicking k,” the c comes along and is used to describe a violent whirlpool
protects the vowel. So ck ends the or a similar turbulence. §§ Leftover Alley: ea (short-e sound), ck
words black and sock, but not milk and Since eo, oe, and ae are so rare, you may
creek. If your students are having trouble seeing want to collect them in an Exotic Animals
§§ Heavily and readily have the roots all the spelling rules in a word, conduct area.
heavy and ready. When the -ly is “Discovery” with the current spelling list.
Occasionally the second vowel will speak
added, the root’s ending y is changed Have them underline the vowel pairs,
mark the vowels long or short, cross out up, as in break. You may add ea to A Street
to i. or throw those few words into jail. You
the silent letters, underline any consonant
Level B pairs, and separate the syllables. can decide.
By doing this marking, students can gain
§§ The word pied is not a common one The vowel pairs that say unique sounds,
a better understanding of how spelling
although students may have heard of a affects each part of a word (examples: s ēa such as oi in boil and au in taut, will be
pied piper. Pied is an adjective meaning l, f ĕa / th er). covered in future lessons and added to
to have two or more colors, often As your students add to their Phonetic Zoo, other sections of the Zoo at that time.
referring to the bright colors a jester they will have more rules to mark—tools to Be sure to have an area in your zoo
would wear. help them spell many words accurately.
dedicated to the single vowels and their
short and long sounds.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 23

Lesson 4: Radio O-U-G-H
The radio tower demonstrates the six sounds of ough. LESSON 4 WORD LISTS
The sample words also include the few times that ei or eigh says “ā” A B C
and ei says “ī.” rough toughen sourdough
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT eight sleigh eighty-eight
although enough deinonychus
This is Radio O-U-G-H, of the Phonetic Zoo, broadcasting on six
megacycles: thought fraught throughout
O-U-G-H saying “uff ” as in rough weight weight eightieth
O-U-G-H saying “ah” as in thought cough although plow (plough)
O-U-G-H saying “oo” as in through
O-U-G-H saying “ow” as in bough through brought cough
O-U-G-H saying “off ” as in cough reindeer height feigned
And O-U-G-H saying “oh” as in although plow (plough) wrought roughage
Example Words: tough cough brought
A: cough, vein, throughout satellite dish vein neighbor(our) seismic
B: slough, weight, thought trough dough slough
C: bough, seismic, dough doughnut though toughen
veiled reigned drought
toughen trough bough

24 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 4: Radio O-U-G-H

LESSON 4 DISCUSSION POINTS spelled thru. Unfortunately, his ideas THE PHONETIC ZOO
never caught on, so be sure to use the §§ Add a Radio Tower with its six
All Levels longer spelling in formal compositions. pronunciations of ough.
§§ Note that on the flash cards Canadian
spellings are in parentheses ( ). Level B §§ Add ei (long-a) to A Street with its
§§ Find the words in the list that example words.
§§ In addition to the ough spellings, there
are some other odd letter variations have homophones, and discuss the §§ Add ei (long-i) to I Street. Since this
including definitions of each spelling: sleigh/slay, is rare, you may prefer to throw these
weight/wait, dough/doe, reigned/rained. words into jail.
• eigh saying long-a or long-i §§ Create a Rhino Pen for words with
(ei plus silent gh) §§ Note the silent w in wrought.
silent letters (gh).
• aigh saying long-a Level C
(ai plus silent gh)
• augh saying aw (au plus silent gh) §§ The root eighty changes its y to i
• ei saying long-a with the addition of the suffix -eth.
Remember, one of the sounds of i is
Level A long-e, as in eightieth.
§§ Several of the words in the list have §§ Does your student know what a
homophones, words that sound the deinonychus /dī-'nä-ni-kәs/ is? It means
same but are spelled differently and “terrible claw” and refers to a nasty
have a different meaning. Discuss the little dinosaur.
definitions of each: eight/ate, weight/ §§ Seismic /sīz' mĭk/ is a scientific term
wait, vein/vane, veil/vale. referring to the shaking of the earth,
§§ Theodore Roosevelt attempted usually due to an earthquake.
to simplify spelling when he was
president. He wanted through to be

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 25

Lesson 5: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. the spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved,
dissecting why they truly are such terrors.
JINGLE
It is the rule that you collect SPELLING TEST
all your spelling errors. Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
Write them down and then dissect achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
why they truly are such terrors. administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

26 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 5: Personal Spelling

LESSON 5 WORD LIST Levels A or B: Calendar Terms Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS Can your students spell the days of the These words are from the 240 Commonly
If your students did not remember to week and other calendar terms? Students Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4. The
collect words for this lesson, never fear! can create their own calendar. words chosen review the concepts from
Additional word lists are provided on this earlier lessons. Reference the jingles as
Monday Saturday week
page. You can also use these lists to add needed.
Tuesday Sunday month
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. Wednesday season year paid immediately
The lists for Levels A and B offer Thursday holiday decade achievement experience
additional spelling rules that are not Friday calendar century candidate Britain
covered in the other lessons. The list for conceivable maybe
Level B: Holidays
Level C contains commonly misspelled laid acquaintance
words related to the rules presented in the Find the date for each of these holidays. grievous villain
previous lesson. Feel free to exchange them for ones that conscientious usually
you celebrate. maintenance
holiday Thanksgiving Day §§ Interestingly, Britain is pronounced
solstice Christmas /brit' n/.
equinox Hanukkah §§ Notice that villain disobeys the rules
Arbor Day Kwanzaa and belongs in jail.
Labor Day Boxing Day
§§ Laid is the past tense of lay: Yesterday,
Independence Day New Year’s Day
the hen laid an egg.
Talk like a Pirate Valentine’s Day
Day
Halloween

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 27

Lesson 6: Homonyms I
Homonyms catch many students. There is nothing a student can LESSON 6 WORD LISTS
do but memorize the variations, and this lesson will help them to
master a few. A B C
right reigns threw
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT aloud their dependence
Homonyms sound the same, air dual residents
but spelling and meaning are different.
bare praise bore
Have you ever seen a bare bear, hoarse cents cellar
a hoarse horse, or a bore of a boar?
bear boar claws plumb
Example Words:
write rains through
A: write, right, rite allowed they’re dependents
B: rain, reign, rein heir duel residence
C: sight, site, cite
bear prays boar
horse sense seller
bore clause plum
blew reins coarse
horse rite there thru
blue preys course
boar

28 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 6: Homonyms I

LESSON 6 DISCUSSION POINTS Although the Level C word thru is on THE PHONETIC ZOO
If your students struggle with these, try Theodore Roosevelt’s 1906 Simplified A homonym chart can be added to your
thinking of little stories related to the Spelling list, remind your students that this classroom wall. Anna Ingham had a
letters used in the words to help them informal way of spelling the word through Homonym Clown with words in balloons.
remember which is which. Your students is not meant for formal writing. After all, You might want to follow the animal
can have fun making these up. we do not want to disobey the rule “No theme by showing a hoarse horse (a sick
English word ends in u or v.” horse with a bandage on his throat) or
§§ The horse is hoarse when the letter a
some other animal with a homophone
gets caught in his throat.
Homonym or Homophone? word. Put the word pairs on the poster,
§§ Silent e’s are bore-ing. and quiz your students periodically using
§§ Eeww! He blew in my face! The term homonym used to be a the words.
general term for words that sound the
§§ You are too loud when you speak aloud. Alternatively, have a “Homonym
same. Later, the terminology became
§§ A bear has an ear. more precise: Homophone has become of the Week” poster added to your
Some of the homonyms in the lists involve the preferred term for words with the classroom door.
a plural form of a word (claws or clause, same sound but different spelling, and Decide if you want to add ey to A Street
paws or pause). Thus, it is a simple matter the term homonym is used for words or simply throw words where ey says “ay”
to decide if there can be a singular form of with the same spelling but different into jail.
the word. meaning, such as saw.
Notice that ey says “ay” at the end of some The more general term homonym has
words. been retained in this lesson.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 29

Air Words

hare

ferret

hairy sparrow
woodpecker

bear

30 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Air Words
The homonyms bear-bare in Lesson 6 are examples of the “air” ARE ARR EIR
words. There are quite a few ways to spell the sound “air.” Since hare sparrow heir
there is no Phonetic Zoo lesson on these, you may want to point bare Barry heiress
them out to your students now. care carry heirloom
If you are building a Phonetic Zoo, create an airport with dare garret their
enclosures for the representative animals illustrated on the facing daring Harry
page. You’ll have to be creative with eir and ere since there are no fare Larry ERE
animals that use that spelling. mare marry there
Many of the “air” words are homophones, so it is worth creating pare parry where
these lists. As you find more “air” words, add them to the zoo. parent tarry
rare
There are a few things to note: spare ERR
§§ The letters ear can make the “air” sound but they often say stare ferret
“eeer” as in fear. ware derrick
§§ The letters ere rarely say “air.” They say “eeer” more often, as in merry
here. Thus, it might be best to put them in jail when they use AIR perry
the “air” sound. hairy woodpecker
fair EAR
§§ There are no animal names to go with eir or ere, but you can
illustrate their sounds by comparing the homophones there- hair bear
their-they’re. lair pear
pair wear
stair tear

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 31

Lesson 7: Open o or ow
This lesson references the open o, which is one of the six syllable LESSON 7 WORD LISTS
types. A syllable with a single vowel is considered “open” when it
ends with a single vowel: go, me, my, she. A syllable is considered A B C
“closed” when the single vowel is closed off by a consonant: as, in, buffalo stereo Tokyo
not, Tom, end. This is important because closed vowels say their hippo pillow dynamo
short sound while open vowels say their long sound. All six syllable radio rhino slowly
types are described in Appendix 3.
This lesson helps students discover which words use the open o at limo Mexico towing
the end of a word and which use vowel pair ow at the end instead. below flowing proviso
video banjo sorrowfully
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
bingo tow soprano
The open o as in The banjo dances window bolero contralto
the bolero during the concerto.
OW says ō as in a mellow yellow pillow. crow
piano pimento apropos

Example Words: auto concerto tomorrow

cargo bow tremolo
A: hello, video, below
row piccolo trio
B: concerto, stereo, flowing
C: proviso, tuxedo, embargo potato mow tuxedo
tomato typo rodeo
buffalo
hello torpedo embargo

32 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 7: Long o or ow

LESSON 7 DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

All Levels §§ Tremolo is a musical technique re- Add Open o and ow to O Street.
ferring to a trill; however in classical
§§ It is interesting that the musical guitar, it produces a base note below To keep the Zoo Jail from getting too full,
references, such as piano, use the open the melody, which is used in the guitar consider adding a Foreign Word Café to
o instead of the ow. solo “Spanish Romance.” You can hear your zoo for non-English words. These
good examples of this on YouTube. words disobey English spelling rules
Level A because they are not English words.
Explore the other musical terms if your
§§ The animals buffalo and hippo also use students are not familiar with them. If your students have ever watched a
the open o. spelling bee, they will notice that the
§§ Tokyo must be capitalized to be spelled
Level B correctly; it is a proper noun. Ask your contestants often ask the origin of the
students: Tokyo is the capital of what word to help them with the spelling. The
§§ A bolero is a kind of slow-tempo Latin 2002 movie Spellbound is a fascinating
country? ( Japan)
music that is associated with dance. documentary following nine contestants
Ravel’s “Bolero” is a famous musical §§ Sorrowfully uses the ow at the end of
the root word with -fully tacked on as in their quest to win the 1999 National
piece that you can easily find on Spelling Bee. This movie will make your
YouTube. Explore the other musical a suffix.
students appreciate spelling all the more.
terms if your students are not familiar §§ Apropos comes from the French word
with them. a propos meaning to purpose. The s
§§ The animal, rhino, also uses the open o. is silent, as are many of the ending
consonants in French words, such as
§§ Note that Mexico must be capitalized
ballet, Illinois, and escargot.
to be spelled correctly. It is a
proper noun.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 33

Lesson 8: Two Families: ite/ight
This lesson came from Anna Ingham’s Blended Sound-Sight LESSON 8 WORD LISTS
method of teaching reading in Canada where the “Big Ights” and
the “Little Ites” lived next door to one another in Sound City on I A B C
Street. As students learned to spell words ending in the sound “īt,” light fighting satellite
students had to determine which family they belonged to. kite likely rightist
The Magic E words, bike and like, are similar to the little ite rule right height trite
and are practiced here. The exception, height, is also included in the
Level B examples. sight delightful plebiscite
bike Denverite fortnight
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT mighty slightly contrite
Many big ights such as bright and light brightly nightmare Vancouverite
Most will give great delight, agree? quite despite righteousness
Fewer small ites such as quite and spite nightingale delightful foresight lignite
They always use the wondrous Magic E.
night plight knighthood
Example Words: bite spiteful blighted
A: delight, bright, bike lighter tightly flighty
B: fighting, like, height
fright nightingale pyrite
C: contrite, flighty, plebiscite
kite site mite respite
white lightning cite

34 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 8: Two Families: ite/ight

LESSON 8 DISCUSSION POINTS the e, and it eventually made it into §§ Check that your students know the
the dictionary as lightning. The definition of this lesson’s words. They
Level A word lightening is only used as a might need help with plebiscite, which
§§ In Level A, it is interesting that many medical term. is like a referendum: a type of vote to
of the big ight words are descriptive propose laws.
words (might, bright, fright) whereas Level C §§ Respite is usually pronounced with a
the little ite words are simpler nouns §§ The word pyrite, a type of mineral short-i. Since this word disobeys the
(bike, kite). called fool’s gold, can be an illustration rules, you could say that the word has
of y as a vowel saying “ī.” Since the y is been given its definition: a delay for a
Level B at the end of the first syllable (py), it is time from something unpleasant, like
§§ Consider the word likely to be a cousin open, so it says its long sound. being thrown into jail!
of the little ites with the -ly suffix. §§ Notice the words where the letter i
§§ Denverite reminds students that makes the c say “s”: plebiscite and cite. THE PHONETIC ZOO
sometimes residents of countries or This rule will be covered in Lesson 38 Add ite and ight to I Street.
cities belong to the little ite family as the Poker E.
(Hittite, Amorite, etc.) §§ Vancouverite reminds students that
You can have fun deciding if your sometimes residents of countries or
home city would work with this cities belong to the little ite family
ending, like Houstonite. You might find (Hittite, Amorite, etc.).
that you need alternative endings for You can have fun deciding if your
some city names, like New York(er) or home city would work with this
Chicago(an). ending, like Houstonite. You might find
§§ Lightning is a variant of the Middle that you need alternative endings for
English word lightening, which is some city names, like New York(er) or
what lightning does to the sky. Over Chicago(an).
the years lazy Englishmen dropped

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 35

Lesson 9: The Steely E’s
Mrs. Ingham taught her first graders that when two e’s were LESSON 9 WORD LISTS
together, they would squeal “eeeee,” so they were called the Squealy
E’s. Dr. Webster changed them to the Steely E’s for his more A B C
sophisticated fourth graders. freezing creek streetwise
This lesson will help your students discern which words use ea and cheeky freely sleepier
which use ee for the long-e sound. Sadly, there is no trick to tell. heals creak sneakily
weekly seemed squeezed
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
seams feeling eighteenth
The Steely E’s, the double E’s chimpanzee wheels meeting squeegee
Can easily be mixed
With ea vowels, if you please between beach steeling
cheetah
On you they can play tricks. meeting foresee speechless
Example Words: seems beech unreasonably
A: seems, heels, cheese degree agreed employee
B: agreed, freely, deeply heels peach speedboat
C: squeegee, sweeten, sleepier weakly needle sweeten
meat steeple treasonous
chimpanzee pleated teeming
cheese deeply eerie

36 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 9: The Steely E’s

LESSON 9 DISCUSSION POINTS Level B THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ The word foresee is a compound word The Steely E’s (ee) live on E Street in
(fore, see). We don’t use the word fore the zoo.
§§ This might be a good time to remind any more; it used to mean at an earlier
students that a y at the end of a two or time.
more beat (syllable) word says “ee” as
in weekly and cheeky. §§ Note the homophones: creek/creak and
beach/beech. Be sure your students know
§§ Additionally, when a word ends in the the different definitions and come
plural s (as in heals and seams), spell up with ways to remember, such as a
the root first and then just add an s. beech is a tree and both use ee.
Lesson 37 explains the plural rules
more fully. Level C
§§ Note the homophones: heals/heels, §§ Note the homophones: stealing/steeling.
seems/seams, meat/meet. Be sure your We commonly use the word stealing to
students know the different definitions refer to taking something that doesn’t
and come up with ways to remember, belong to us, but its homophone
such as people have two heels (two e’s). steeling isn’t as common. Steel is a
strong metal, so someone who steels
himself or is steeling against something
being strong and mighty.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 37

Lesson 10: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
JINGLE SPELLING TEST
This rule, it is very true: Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
The more phonics that you do achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
The better speller you will be. administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
Learn the rules; it works—you’ll see. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

38 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 10: Personal Spelling

LESSON 10 WORD LIST Level A: k or ck at the end of words Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS When the vowel is short as in pack These words are from the 240 Commonly
If your students did not remember to and lock, Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4. The
collect words for this lesson, never fear! Place a ck as in brick and truck. words chosen review the concepts from
Additional word lists are provided on this earlier lessons. Reference the jingles as
But if any other letter follows the vowel
page. You can also use these lists to add needed.
Or if the vowel is anything but short,
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. Just put a k as in milk and fork. succeed lightning
The list for Level A offers an additional accommodate proceed
black quack squeak
spelling rule that is not covered in the definitely women
clock masks beak
other lessons. The B list adds additional picked cloak slick
fiery controversy
homophones, and the list for Level C meekness chicken duckling
opinion committee
contains commonly misspelled words snack stuck music
woman hypocrite
related to the rules presented in the mere argument
previous lesson. Level B: Homophones 1.5 heroes
There are many, many homophones
to watch out for. Try your hand at
these! More homophones are listed in
Appendix 6.
bye cheap ate
ad add lesson
eight by whole
grate great buy
hole lessen cheep

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 39

Lesson 11: The Babysitters
In Anna Ingham’s Sound City, the story goes that when the LESSON 11 WORD LISTS
babysitter comes, the baby a says “awwww!” because she does not
want to go to bed. The babysitters are w, l, and u. A B C
because applause plausible
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT dawn lawyer awesome
Babysitters such as w, l, and u, mall stalling squall
make vowel a say “aww.”
Babysitter said, “What shall I do?” sauna paunch autobahn
Pause, squall, and raw epauletted bat yawn pawn sawn
Which babysitter are you? talk authorize qualm
Example Words: daughter inaugurate applauding
A: cause, walrus, mall walrus
walrus tawdry tawny
B: sauna, yawn, talk taller mauling talkative
C: applaud, awesome, qualm automobile pausing epaulet
fawn sawdust taut autonomous
small malt draught
pause sausage daunting
watering prawn holocaust
ball Pawnee inauspicious

40 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 11: The Babysitters

LESSON 11 DISCUSSION POINTS §§ Even though we pronounce lawyer THE PHONETIC ZOO
“loy-er,” he does practice law, so §§ The Babysitters should have their own
Level A use aw. section in the Phonetic Zoo. You can
§§ You can teach your student that after a §§ The Pawnee were a North American create individual pens for au and aw
single vowel in a single syllable word, Plains Indian tribe who formerly lived since u and w are the most popular
the letters f, l, and s are often doubled. on the Platte River in Nebraska. There babysitters. The other two babysitters
That is the case for mall, small, ball, is now a Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. for the letter a (l and t) can share a
and the root tall in taller.
cage.
§§ Sometimes the babysitter u is spelled Level C
§§ There are also babysitters for the letter
augh as in daughter. §§ You can teach your student that after a u: l, t, and sh. They make the u say its
§§ The i in mobile has the ī sound single vowel in a single syllable word, third sound, as in pull, put, and push.
thanks to the silent e. When it the letters f, l, and s are often doubled. This is explored in the Lesson 35
becomes automobile, the i says its third That is the case in the word squall. Personal Spelling List suggestions for
sound (ee). §§ Draught (also spelled draft) means Level A.
§§ The a in watering says “awww” because to draw or pull. It can refer to the
of the babysitter t. Since it does not animals that pull a cart or the drink
babysit very often, it didn’t make it that is drawn from a keg or barrel.
into the list in the jingle. The letters augh say “aff ” as they do in
laugh, so the word belongs in jail.
Level B
§§ You can teach your student that after a
single vowel in a single syllable word,
the letters f, l, and s are often doubled.
That is the case in the root word stall
in stalling.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 41

Lesson 12: ou and ow
Previous lessons taught the long-o sound of ou and ow. Lessons 12 LESSON 12 WORD LISTS
and 13 focus on the “ow!” sound of these two digraphs. There will
be two lessons on ou and ow. Lesson 12 teaches students a trick A B C
to tell whether to use ou or ow in words. Lesson 13 focuses on the mouse joust sourdough
words that use ow in the middle. ground flounce browbeat
cow powerful bow (of a boat)
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
ou says “ou!” at the beginning of words as in outlaw and ounce sow outboard dowager
or in the middle of words as in mound and pounce. outlaw cowslip mournful
owl cowrie (cowry) dhow
ow says “ow!” in the middle of words as in frown and fowl
or at the end as in now, cow, and allow. now soundtrack drowsy
Example Words: how drown bowed
A: mouse, how, brown mountain doubtful outage
B: joust, prowl, lounge housefly prowl profoundly
C: dowager, outage, tourist brown abound crouching
peafowl sound gout outdoors
cow
town lounge dowdy
around crowned tournament
mouse
louse bowerbird tourist

42 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 12: ou and ow

LESSON 12 DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ Students may not know that a dowager §§ The “ow!” sound of ou and ow can
is a widow holding property or a title join ea (short-e) and ck in the zoo’s
§§ Note the ai in mountain is pronounced from her deceased husband. Catherine Leftover Alley.
with the short-e sound. Sounds like it of Aragon was demoted to “Princess
belongs in jail. §§ In that section, you may want to keep
Dowager” after King Henry VIII the ow in the middle of words separate
Level B divorced her, because she had earlier from the ow at the end of words.
been married to Henry’s older brother,
§§ Give your students a prize if they knew who had died before Henry was
that a cowrie (spelled cowry in Canada) made king.
is a beautiful egg-shaped shell.
§§ Remind students of the -ed suffix and
§§ Note the silent b in doubtful. how it can say “d” as in crowned and
§§ Lounge has an e on the end to make bowed.
the g say its “j” sound. This will be §§ Note the silent h in dhow, which is a
taught in Lesson 38 as The Poker E. traditional Arab sailing vessel.
§§ Remind students of the -ed suffix and §§ Remind students of the -ed suffix and
how it can say “d” as in crowned. how it can say “d” as in bowed.
§§ Students can remember that bowerbird §§ Tournament and tourist do not have
uses ow because -er is a suffix. the “ow!” sound despite the ou in both
words. The noisy r drowned them
both out.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 43

Lesson 13: ow and Exceptions
This lesson provides a ditty to remember the few times ow is used LESSON 13 WORD LISTS
in the middle of words. Artistic students may wish to draw the
frowning clown with a crown downtown in a nightgown … A B C
fountain disallowed downsizing
Quite a few ou in the middle of words are thrown into the list to
keep students on their toes. found southwestern powwow
allow meow wounded
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
frown mouthpiece flouting
The sound “ow!” in the middle of words is usually ou. flowering outburst mountaineer
The major exceptions are contained in the following ditty: power powder powerfully
“Wearing a cowrie (cowry) crown, the clown with a power frown row jowl kowtow
went downtown in a brown nightgown. Cowering beneath his cowl,
gown ounce Moscow
he began to howl and prowl while hunting for the dowdy, drowsy
dowager’s dowry.” grouse cowl floundering

Example Words fowl outcast grouchy

A: grouse, gown, outcry pound pronoun howling
outcry bowing douse (dowse)
B: pronoun, ounce, cowl
bowerbird vows clownish trowel
C: flouting, trowel, grouchy
outfit coward southpaw
groundhog brownie flourishing

groundhog

44 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 13: ow and exceptions

LESSON 13 DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ When Americans write about §§ Add a drawing to the ow! section
drenching someone, it is spelled douse. of Leftover Alley in the zoo: the
§§ Vows is plural of vow, so the ow is The Canadian spelling is dowse. frowning clown with a crown downtown
actually at the end of the root word.
§§ Note the loss of the silent-e with in a brown nightgown.
§§ Note the homophones: fowl/foul. Our the addition of an -ing in the word
clown must like to eat fowl since they downsizing.
also have the ow in the middle. The
sweet clown would never have a foul §§ Although most students may know
odor. that a powwow refers to a gathering
of North American native people,
Level B they may not know that to kowtow
is to either bow with one’s forehead
§§ Remind students of the -ed suffix and
touching the ground or to show servile
how it can say “d” as in disallowed.
deference to another.
§§ Note the roots of the words disallowed
§§ A southpaw is simply a left-handed
and bowing have the ow at the end of
person. Its origin may have been from
the word.
boxing. An older edition of the Oxford
English Dictionary defined southpaw as
a punch with the left hand.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 45

Lesson 14: aw and au
Back to the babysitters, but this time we are focused on just au and LESSON 14 WORD LISTS
aw and the fact that au always occurs in the middle of words, and
aw can be in the middle or at the end (much like the ou/ow pair). A B C
straw dawdle clawing
Interestingly, au in the middle of words is often accompanied by
the silent gh as in naughty daughter. laughter sauna paunch
raw trawler sawyer
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
caution haughtily faulty
aw says “ah” at the end of words, lawless lawsuit lawyer
claw, saw, and drawer
pause causeway saunter
With exceptions fawn and pawn,
sprawl, bawl, and crawler. lawn yawn prawn
au says “ah” in the middle of words, sauce pause laundry
taught, caught, and slaughter crawl drawl bawling
With no exceptions, no not one,
naughty, saucy daughter. saw sawhorse traumatic
squawk gawky pawn
Example Words
rawhide jawbone nauseous
A: pause, saw, lawn epauletted bat
B: sauna, draw, gawky sawdust drawer sprawled
sausage hauling vaulting
C: saunter, clawing, sprawled
naughty haunted awkward

macaw

46 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 14: aw and au

LESSON 14 DISCUSSION POINTS Level B THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ In case you were wondering, a trawler Review The Babysitters section of the
is a fisherman or fishing boat that uses Phonetic Zoo.
§§ The middle sound of au is sometimes a trawl net or dragnet to catch fish.
followed by the silent gh as in naughty. Add words with the silent gh to the
§§ Notice that au is sometimes followed Rhino Pen.
§§ Laughter is one of the exceptions to by the silent gh: haughtily.
the rule. It is fun to learn to say the
word laugh phonetically: /lä-oo-g-h/. §§ Some of the words are compound
Sometimes it helps to pronounce for words with the first word ending in aw
spelling. (lawsuit, sawhorse, and jawbone)
§§ Some of the words have roots ending §§ The word drawer belongs in jail
in aw (lawless) or are compound words because it does not obey the rules.
with the first word ending in aw Level C
(rawhide and sawdust).
§§ Note that many of the words in the
§§ Note The Poker E (Lesson 38) in sauce list use aw in the middle of words.
and sausage where the e makes the Note that clawing is not one of them
letters c and g say their soft sounds (“s” because claw is the root.
and “j”).
§§ The words sawyer and lawyer seem
to obey the rules. Decide if their root
words let them off the hook: A sawyer
saws wood and a lawyer practices law.
§§ A prawn is a crustacean that resembles
a large shrimp.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 47

Lesson 15: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
It is the rules most words obey, Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
At least 90% of them. achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
Learn the rules, so they stick and stay— administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
Life’s much easier with than without ‘em. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

48 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 15: Personal Spelling

LESSON 15 WORD LIST Level A: Sounds of o and i Level B: Grocery List

SUGGESTIONS A vowel will say its short sound unless Learn to spell these common grocery
If your students did not remember to something makes it say its name, such as a items. Notice that the i in pizza says its
collect words for this lesson, never fear! second vowel or the Magic e (see Lesson third sound: long-e.
Additional word lists are provided on this 24).
pizza sugar lettuce
page. You can also use these lists to add The letters o and i will sometimes say their pepperoni cinnamon broccoli
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. long sound when they are followed by cereal mayonnaise spinach
The list for Level A offers additional two consonants. Add these patterns to O cookies mustard cauliflower
spelling rules that are not covered in the Street and I Street in the Phonetic Zoo. coffee ketchup zucchini
other lessons. The list for Level B includes find told gold Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
words used commonly in the home. both wild post
The list for Level C contains commonly These words are from the 240 Commonly
child roll toll
misspelled words related to the rules Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4.
kind scold mother
presented in the previous lesson. most brother cold accidentally prevalent
conscious receive
incidentally especially
humorous receiving
encouragement intellectual
beneficial laboratory
recede disastrous
undoubtedly

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 49

Lesson 16: ur and ir
The jingle for this lesson contains some of the words with the ir LESSON 16 WORD LISTS
spelling, so your students can distinguish between ir and ur words.
A B C
Sometimes the ur and ir are actually part of a vowel-consonant-e tire burden furnace
pattern as in tire and pure.
nurse surely curiosity
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT tired birch mirrored
Both ur and ir say “rrr” coming in the middle of words. nursery birthday circumference
To distinguish between them, memorize the jingle of the tired curry curtain bureau
third girl, which uses many of the major ir words. turkey churn circulate
“The tired third girl was virtually the first to encircle the birds in the birds encircle surrender
mirror mirage at the birthday circus miracle.”
turtle purple currants
Example Words: girls durable current
A: tired, curry, dirty first burglar mirage
turkey
B: burden, circle, furry curl Thursday pursuit
C: curiosity, bureau, pursuit third admiral virtually
pure furry endurance
dirty hired miracle
wire jury furniture
giraffe

50 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 16: ur and ir

DISCUSSION POINTS Remember: THE PHONETIC ZOO

§§ Notice that only a few words use ir. When the letter c is followed by an e, i, or Create an R-Controlled Street for all of
The vast majority of words use ur for y, it makes the “s” sound. All other times the r-controlled vowels:
“er” in the middle of words. it will say “k.” (This will be reinforced in
Lesson 38.) §§ ar says “ar” as in car.
§§ A few of the words are not truly ir
§§ er usually says “er” at the end of words.
and ur say “errrr” words, but rather This rule can help students determine
are instances of the vowel-consonant- §§ ir rarely says “er” in the middle of
when to use ur or ir when it occurs after
silent-e pattern (tire, pure, wire, surely, words.
the letter c. If the c is hard (“k”), use ur. If
hired, endurance, and furniture). the c is soft (“c”), use ir. The word circle §§ or says “or” in words such as for.
Technically, the roots of these words must use ir because ur would make the c §§ ur usually says “er” in the middle of
follow the Magic E rule (Lesson 24), say its hard sound: “k.” words.
but they sound odd because of the r. Also add ey to E Street.
§§ Note the No Job E (Lesson 21) at the
end of nurse.
§§ Note the ey at the end of turkey
says “ee.”

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 51

Lesson 17: Voiced / Whispered Consonants
This lesson helps students identify the spelling by using their sense LESSON 17 WORD LISTS
of touch.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT tummy dame zebra
The voiced batch becomes the whispered patch. dummy tame fanciful
The voiced zipper becomes the whispered slipper. girl batch tome
The voiced goat becomes the whispered coat.
The voiced dipper becomes the whispered tripper. curl which dome
The voiced jump becomes the whispered chump. gander weather when
The voiced vote becomes the whispered float. candor whether wily
The voiced weather becomes the whispered whether.
The voiced pleasure becomes the whispered facial, session, vase attach chump
and palatial. while has oneself
The voiced fusion becomes the whispered mission. wear herself jazz
Example Words: where pause patient
A: girl, feather, attach feather seizure financial
B: batch, match, facial whether facial consequential
C: when, jazz, leisure father pleasure leisure
nation partial slumbering
zebra
mission measure treasure

whale

52 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 17: Voiced / Whispered Consonants

DISCUSSION POINTS If your students have no difficulty THE PHONETIC ZOO

Some students struggle to differentiate identifying the various letter sounds, this This is a good time to add Digraph
between similar-sounding letter pairs, such lesson may not mean very much. But if a Delivery, a train, to the Phonetic Zoo. The
as b and p or w and wh. student struggles to hear the difference, consonant digraphs can live there. This
feeling it will help immensely. week add: sh, ch, th, wh.
The reason for this difficulty is that the
letters in each pair are spoken using the The w, wh pair is likely the most difficult Imagine the train starting up while you
same tongue/mouth formation; the only for students. Instead of touching the say the sounds, faster and faster: sh-sh-sh,
difference is whether or not the voice box throat, invite students to hold their hand ch-ch-ch, th-th-th, wh-wh-wh.
is used. in front of their mouth to feel for the
breeze that accompanies wh. Compare Also, since students make the most
Put your hand on your voice box (the whale and walrus. mistakes with w, wh pair, consider creating
lump at the front of your throat) and see a whale pen with two sections where words
if you can feel the difference between the The spelling words are sometimes with w or wh are kept for practice.
sounds of the letter pairs below. The first presented such that the voiced version is
letter in each pair is voiced (your voice paired with a rhyming word that is not
box vibrates), the second whispered (no voiced. For example, tummy and dummy
vibration). have the t, d pair. Be sure to define the
unusual ones:
b, p v, f g, c (the
§§ A gander is a male goose while candor
d, t zh, sh hard
is simply being kind or honest.
z, s j, ch sound,
w, wh th, th “k”) §§ Whether or not you check out the
weather is clearly up to you.
§§ A tome is a large book, unlike a
dome, which usually refers to a large
hemispherical roof or ceiling.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 53

Lesson 18: Homonyms II
This lesson provides more homonyms to practice. LESSON 18 WORD LISTS

RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT A B C

there preys canvas
Homonyms sound the same,
but spelling and meaning are different. it’s core through
Did a flea ever flee from home, your knew guerrilla
a fowl ever foul the path,
or mountain gorillas become freedom fighting guerrillas? brake patience holy
Did a predator’s prey ever pray for mercy? flower aisle stationary
foul ascent quay
Example Words:
A: there, their, they’re they’re praise canvass
its corps threw
B: praise, prays, preys fowl
you’re new gorilla
C: threw, through, holey
break patients wholly
flour isle stationery
fowl assent key
gorilla
their piece holey
flea flee prays presence
flea peace presents

54 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 18: Homonyms II

LESSON 18 DISCUSSION POINTS Level B If you pronounce them carefully, and

§§ Remind students that many spell them syllable-by-syllable, you
Level A won’t go wrong.
homophones involve a plural form.
§§ Be sure your students understand how For example, words ending in -ence or
contractions work; they are a shortened -ance often have a homophone ending
THE PHONETIC ZOO
version of two words with the in -ents or -ants (plurals), as in the Use the Phonetic Zoo to review the
apostrophe taking the place of some patience-patients pair. sounds that occur in the homophones.
of the letters. Also, remind all students Add words to the homophone chart if you
that contractions are not acceptable in §§ The word corps comes to English from
the Middle French, hence the silent ps. created one.
formal writing.
Its Latin root is corpus meaning body.
§§ The most commonly confused Notice that in a related word, corpse,
homophones are it’s and its. The word the ps is pronounced.
it’s is a contraction of the words it is,
while its is a possessive pronoun. The Level C
confusion comes in when students §§ Understanding the syllable types, The
learn how to use an apostrophe-s to Poker E rule (Lesson 38), and “gu and
indicate ownership, as in “Fluffy’s ear.” qu” (Lesson 33) will help your Level C
In the same way, students want to students remember how to spell gorilla
write, “it’s ear.” However, you wouldn’t versus guerrilla. Both words end in
write “hi’s coat” because the word “his” -rilla, so the difference is in the first
already means it belongs to him. In syllable. The animal, gorilla, simply
the same way, the word “its” does not has the open syllable “go” at the start.
require an apostrophe. It is already The fighter, guerrilla, begins with guer.
possessive as written. The g needs the u to keep the e from
making the g say “j” (Lessons 33, 38).

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 55

Lesson 19: ph
One of the consonant digraphs is ph, combining the consonant p LESSON 19 WORD LISTS
with the letter h to make the sound “f.” Remember that the word
in parentheses ( ) is the Canadian spelling. A B C
photo symphony sophomoric
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT dolphin phonetic philanthropy
Usually ph comes at the beginning or middle of words phase pharmacy xylophone
as in phrase and phobia, gopher and nephew
but rarely at the end as in nymphs and graph. elephant physics typhoid
Notice that it comes twice in phosphate, philosophy, phonics sulfur (sulphur) physiotherapy
and phonograph. gopher phantom phalanx
Example Words: telephone pheasant phosphate
A: phonics, sphere, graph phrase hyphen periphery
B: physics, hyphen, nymph dolphin photocopy telephonic philosophy
C: typhoid, phalanx, phosphate sphere geography neophyte
paragraph phonograph paraphrase
prophet graphic phlegm
pheasant nephew nymph phoenix
phony metaphysics sophisticated
phobia hydrophobia Phoenicians

56 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 19: ph

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

Latin or Greek Word Roots
Knowing some of your Latin and Greek containing ph The consonant digraph ph can be added to
roots will aid in the determination of when amphi = both Digraph Delivery.
to use ph in some of these words. Use this
graph = write After starting and driving the train with
chart to learn many of the Latin or Greek
morph  = change “sh-sh-sh, ch-ch-ch, th-th-th, wh-wh-wh,”
roots with a ph in them.
you can have the train come to a stop with
phage = eat a long “phhhhhhh.”
phlegma = inflammation
phil = love
phobia = fear
phon = sound
photo = light
phys = body/nature
soph = wise
sphere = ball

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 57

Lesson 20: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
It is the rule: good spellers impress Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
Because it shows they care. achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
It demonstrates they stress administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
Careful detail, a trait most rare. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

58 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 20: Personal Spelling

LESSON 20 WORD LIST Level A: More R-Controlled Vowels Level B: Homophones 2.5
SUGGESTIONS When the letter r follows a vowel, it takes Try your hand at these additional
If your students did not remember to over. Three of them say the same sound: er, homophones.
collect words for this lesson, never fear! ir, and ur. Watch for the exceptions.
hart where site
Additional word lists are provided on this §§ You learned a jingle in Lesson 16 to fair cite heart
page. You can also use these lists to add help you remember when to use ir he’ll shoot wear
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. since ur is more common. sight fare heel
The list for Level A offers additional §§ er is easy: er says “er” at the end of ware heal chute
spelling rules that are not covered in the words.
Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
other lessons. The B list adds additional §§ or usually says “or” as in fork, but it can
homophones, and the list for Level C say “er” at the end of words, too. These words are from the 240 Commonly
contains commonly misspelled words Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4. The
related to the rules presented in the baker fern words chosen review the concepts from
previous lesson. professor yearn earlier lessons. Reference the jingles as
pastor governor needed.
courage chiropractor
physical environment
factor doctor
acquire deferred
teacher singer
irresistible procedure
lawyer dancer
forty referring
sister
sergeant grandeur
fourth particular
occurred apparatus
amateur

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 59

Lesson 21: No Job E
The No Job E does nothing other than hang out in a word. LESSON 21 WORD LISTS
In many words it appears that the e has a job. It is added to the A B C
end of words that end in s to keep them from looking like plurals.
It can sometimes give a letter voice: It makes the th voiced as in nurse arouse gauze
breathe, and sometimes makes the s say “z” as in praise. come course cruise
mouse badge browse
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
were freeze bronze
American Song Canadian Song are sneeze bruise
The no job e does naught, you The no job e does naught, it’s please borne causeway
see. said.
Come, were, seize, and freeze, Come, were, seize, and freeze, praise miracle elapse
Seventy percent are s or zee. Seventy percent are s or zed. goose reverse endorse
Clause, pause, breeze, and cheese, Clause, pause, breeze, and cheese, gone dense teethe
Leave the lazy e to me. Put the lazy e to bed.
become seize breathe
Example Words: house breeze accurate
A: nurse, please, come income cheese awe
B: course, sneeze, seize vulture
giraffe giraffe tease sophomore
C: elapse, breathe, gauze more license engine
some axe grease

moose

60 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 21: No Job E

DISCUSSION POINTS §§ Review the voiced and whispered THE PHONETIC ZOO
sounds of z and s. Notice that the The No Job E can be the first enclosure
Level A No Job E makes the s voiced in cheese of a new section of the zoo. Start a Senior
§§ Notice the additional sound of o in and tease. Retreat for the animals that are getting
come and some (short-u). The o has the
Level C old and want a quiet place to retire. All the
same sound in words such as done and
Silent E words are perfect for them. There
mother. §§ Review the voiced and whispered are several more Silent E rules that will be
Some spelling programs only list the sounds of th and s, z. Notice that the introduced in the next several lessons.
short and long sounds of o. Others add No Job E makes the th say its voiced
the short-u sound as a legal sound of o, sound in teethe and breathe and makes If desired, add the additional sounds of o
and others add the “oo” sound as in do. the s say its voiced sound in cruise, to the vowel section of the zoo. The four
§§ Some of the No Job E’s are added to or browse, and bruise. sounds of o are its short sound as in hot,
at the end of words such as more. §§ Your students likely know that its long sounds as in go, short-u as in come,
sophomore refers to a student who is and “oo” as in do.
Level B in his second year of high school or
§§ Notice that our can say “or” in course. college. Explore the roots. Since the
§§ The e’s at the end of badge and Greek root soph means wise and moros
miracle do have a job; they follow the means foolish, the word sophomore
Syllable E rule. This will be covered in literally means a wise fool.
Lesson 22.
§§ The word badge also illustrates another
handy rule: Use tch and dge instead of
ch and ge after a short vowel.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 61

Lesson 22: The Syllable E
This lesson uses a spelling rule that every syllable must have a LESSON 22 WORD LISTS
vowel, and it introduces another syllable type: consonant-l-e. (See
Appendix 3 for the six syllable types.) The e is necessary at the end A B C
to provide the vowel for this syllable. angle idle bridle
cattle bundle trundle
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT candle eagle mingle
One vowel in every syllable,
As in buckle, battle, lovable. buckle terrible plausible
eagle
Add an e, you see, in flammable, middle muzzle audible
Muzzle, circle, and considerable. circle rumble icicle
Example Words: double bugle quadruple
A: little, angle, circle turtle lovable gobble castle
B: trundle, muzzle, hobble jungle beetle flammable
C: livable, icicle, castle kettle nibble considerable
puddle cuddle brittle
triple kindle miserable
battle turtle syllable
jingle hobble subtle
little muddle livable

62 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 22: The Syllable E

DISCUSSION POINTS Level A THE PHONETIC ZOO

All Levels §§ The ou in double doesn’t say its usual Add the Syllable E to the Senior Retreat
sound. It stole the short-u sound. Put (Silent E) area of the zoo.
Understanding the Syllable E helps it in jail.
students grasp why some letters need to be
doubled in words ending in consonant-l-e. §§ When the “k” sound is the first letter
in a word, use a c unless the next letter -able or -ible?
If the vowel in the first syllable is short and is an e, i, or y, in which case you must These are three general rules:
comes immediately before the consonant- put k to preserve the “k” sound. (The e,
l-e, then the consonant would need to be i, or y makes the c soft; see Lesson 38.) §§ If the root is not a complete word,
doubled to keep the first syllable closed Thus, cattle starts with a c while kettle add -ible.
to preserve the short vowel sound in little, starts with a k. §§ If the root is a complete word, add
giggle, and middle. It is not necessary in the §§ The reason the e is dropped from love -able.
word candle because the first syllable, can, in lovable is explained in Lesson 29, §§ If the root is a complete word
is already closed. The Tricky E’s. Since the e in love is ending in e (or y), drop the e (or y)
When the first syllable is open or contains a Decorative E (Lesson 26), it is not and add -able.
a vowel digraph, such as idle, bridle, and necessary in the word lovable, so it
There are quite a few exceptions:
eagle, there is no need to double the flees. The same rule applies in livable.
consonant. contemptible digestible
Of course, there are exceptions (icicle, flexible responsible
triple), so watch out for them.
irritable inevitable
plausible syllable

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 63

Lesson 23: Sounds of Y
The vowels are a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y. The consonant y has LESSON 23 WORD LISTS
one sound, but the vowel y has three sounds—short-i, long-i, and
long-e. This lesson helps students remember all four sounds for y. A B C
fly hyphen hysteria
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT candy vacancy vigorously
Listen to the four sounds of Y: gym mystery pyramids
tyrant, pygmy, yak.
your yearly yield
Example Words: try nylon tyrannical
A: try, lynx, gypsy handy syllable mysteriously
B: mystic, nylon, yearly gypsy yogurt symmetry
C: yield, handily, tyrannical yard hydrant yacht
you’re carefully hypnosis
hydro mystic hygienic
smoky quickly yeast pleasantly
bat
lynx lynx typewriter symphony
year hyena younger
frying gradually handily
cloudy system symptom

hyena
yak

64 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 23: Sounds of Y

DISCUSSION POINTS Level A THE PHONETIC ZOO

All Levels §§ Note the contraction you’re in the Add y to the section of the zoo where
Level A list. Review contractions if single vowels live. Include a chart for all its
§§ Y at the beginning of a word is a necessary. sounds and the rules for each.
consonant: yellow, yak.
§§ Look for root words, such as fry
§§ Y at the end of a one-beat word says in frying.
the long-i sound: my, sky, by.
§§ Y at the end of a two or more beat
word says the long-e sound: baby, carry.
§§ Y in the middle of the word pretends
to be the letter i.
• If the syllable is closed, the y will
say short i: gym, mystery.
• If the syllable is open, the y will say
long-i: nylon, hyphen.
(The concept of open and closed syllables
is explained in Appendix 2.)

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 65

Lesson 24: The Magic E
Most of us learned this rule as the Silent E rule. This version LESSON 24 WORD LISTS
is more fun and memorable for students, adding to the zany
character of the letter e. This is also one of the six syllable types A B C
(vowel-consonant-e). snake decorate refrigerate
complete eve kerosene
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT fine revise derive
The Magic E jumps over the consonant,
hits the vowel on its head, rope antelope promote
and makes it say its name rude produce refuge
as in lane, eve, type lyre thyme
and fine; rope, rude,
and type. snake rate sedate berate
mole concrete extreme replete
Example Words:
inside surprise pineapple
A: rate, concrete, prize
phone sloped propose
B: slope, induce, lyre
perfume presume costume
C: derive, replete, propose
hype pyre propane
mule prize ignite prime
snipe
scope renegade prone
lane induce cyclone

66 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 24: The Magic E

DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

All Levels §§ The Magic E is hiding in the word Add the Magic E to the Senior Retreat
pineapple. Since this is a compound section of the zoo.
§§ Review the sounds of y as it occurs in word, it is at the end of the word pine.
these Magic E words. Remember that
the y thinks it is an i when it is in the §§ The word thyme comes from the Latin
middle of words. and refers to any of several aromatic
Eurasian herbs or low shrubs of the
genus Thymus, especially T. vulgaris, of
southern Europe. Thyme is a member
of the mint family, and there are over
100 varieties of this plant. It is a small,
perennial shrub having small, white
to lilac flowers grouped in clusters. Its
leaves are used as a seasoning.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 67

Lesson 25: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
English is a complicated tongue. Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
Mastering it is far from fun. achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
But those who are able to do administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
Stand out in other ways too, cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
And ahead of the crowd, they run.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

68 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 25: Personal Spelling

LESSON 25 WORD LIST Level B: -er and -est Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS When we want to indicate that something These words are from the 240 Commonly
If your students did not remember to is more or most, we add -er or -est as in cold, Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4. The
collect words for this lesson, never fear! colder, and coldest. words chosen review the concepts from
Additional word lists are provided on this earlier lessons. Reference the jingles as
When the last letter is a y in a two-beat
page. You can also use these lists to add needed.
word, such as nasty or kindly, the y changes
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. to i before you add -er and -est as in nastier inevitable permissible
The lists for Levels A and B offer and kindliest. fascinate discipline
additional spelling rules that are not Remember the Magic E. If the word ends desperate chose
covered in the other lessons. The list for in a Magic E as in brave, the -er and -est criticize advise (verb)
Level C contains commonly misspelled simply replace the Magic E as in braver dissatisfied changeable
words related to the rules presented in the and bravest. noticeable incredible
previous lesson. choose separate
If the root word ends with a short vowel advice (noun)
Levels A: Sounds of ch and single consonant as in sad, be sure to
The digraph ch usually says “ch” as in double the last consonant as in sadder and
chicken. But it can also say “k” as in chord saddest. There are occasional exceptions as
and “sh” as in chivalry. Practice the sounds in commoner.
of ch in these words. nicer angriest neatest
headache school chairs saddest greatest lighter
parchment cheek stomach brightest sharper hotter
chef cello chasm clumsier happiest greediest
chocolate parachute anchor likelier guiltier oddest
mechanic echo church

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 69

Lesson 26: The Decorative E
This rule explains why the i is not long in words like give and live. LESSON 26 WORD LISTS
The e in those words doesn’t tease the other vowels as it does being
the Magic E. It is minding its manners as a Decorative E. A B C
gave nerve issued
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT five solve hue
No English words ends in u. No English word ends with v, give survive statue
Try it out and see if it’s true, So decorate it with an e, love pursue resolved
As in true, glue, and subdue, As in love, heave, and eve,
dove argue grieve
Except for you, flu, and menu. No exceptions, if you please.
glue revalue repetitive
Example Words: true groove continue
A: have, true, love bluebird eave queue
bluebird
B: solve, argue, heave emu avenue mauve subdue
C: dissolve, statue, lieu have tissue valve
value flue dissolve
due cue starve
you conservative lieu
dove
menu heave bluish
above preserve flu

70 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 26: The Decorative E

DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ Bluish is included in the list because Add the Decorative e to the Senior
the e at the end of blue was removed Retreat section of the zoo.
§§ Bluebird is a compound word, so the with the addition of the suffix -ish.
rule holds for blue. Since the u is no longer at the end of If you haven’t added a place for foreign
§§ You disobeys the rule, so throw it the word, the e is no longer needed. words, you’ll need it now. You might want
in jail. to call it the Zoo Café.
§§ A queue is a line for waiting or a
§§ The word menu is a French word, so hairstyle where the hair is long
that is why it disobeys the rule. and worn in a braid. So in spelling,
remember that the ue’s lined up in
Level B the queue.
§§ Mauve is a pale purple color, which is §§ The word lieu is an exception because
named after the mallow wildflower. it comes from a French word meaning
§§ A flue is a duct for smoke in a chimney. place. The idiom in lieu of means in
Don’t confuse it with the word flu, place of or instead of.
which is short for influenza. §§ The word flu disobeys the rule because
it is short for influenza.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 71

Lesson 27: American-Canadian
Canadians follow British English spelling rules. This lesson LESSON 27 WORD LISTS
highlights some of the words in which American and Canadian
spelling is different. The Canadian spelling is in parentheses. A B C
color (colour) neighbor (neighbour) savior (saviour)
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT center (centre) theater (theatre) maneuver
cozy (cosy) analyze (analyse) (manoeuvre)
Americans and Canadians spell some words differently; systematize
spell the following according to your nationality. traveled (travelled) shoveled (shovelled) (systematise)
labeled (labelled) signaled (signalled)
Example Words: catalog (catalogue) dialog (dialogue) monolog
(monologue)
A: color (colour), liter (litre), fulfill (fulfil) labor (labour) favorite (favourite) mustache
B: shoveled (shovelled), dialog (dialogue), sulfur (sulphur) liter (litre) fibers (fibres) (moustache)
C: savior (saviour), mustache (moustache), mold (mould) paralyze (paralyse) savior (saviour) gray (grey)
equaled (equalled) canceled (cancelled) endeavor (endeavour)
gray (grey) owls pajamas (pyjamas) sulfur (sulphur) caroling (carolling)
woolen (woollen) distill (distil) groveling (grovelling)
airplane (aeroplane) maneuver misdemeanor
fulfill (fulfil) (manoeuvre) (misdemeanour)
check (cheque) skillful (skilful) pajamas (pyjamas)
transferred transferred
(transfered) (transfered)
favors (favours)
rivaled (rivalled)
mold (mould)

72 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 27: American-Canadian

DISCUSSION POINTS §§ Americans always use -ize for words THE PHONETIC ZOO
Notice that the American spelling of fulfill that Canadians spell with either -ize If you are American, you now know why
and skillful is not consistent in the number or -ise. words are spelled differently when they are
of l’s in the first and second syllables. §§ Americans always use -yze for words used by British and Canadian authors. If
Although -ful is usually a suffix (coming at that Canadians spell with either -yze you are Canadian or live in a country that
the end), your student can pretend it is a or -yse. uses British English, be sure to use the
prefix in fulfill—“to fully fill”—and a suffix §§ In Canadian spelling, verbs ending in right spelling!
in skillful—“full of skill”—and spell them a vowel-l, such as travel, double the l
You may want to add the patterns above to
accordingly. The Canadians have it easy: when adding a suffix beginning with a
the foreign section of your zoo.
fulfil and skilful (one l in each syllable). vowel: travelling. In American English,
the l is not doubled: traveling.
Why are these English words spelled
differently in each country? British §§ Canadian words that are spelled with
English usually kept the spelling of words ae or oe are just spelled with an e in
that were absorbed from other languages. America: pediatric (paediatric).
American English tended to simplify the §§ Some nouns ending in -ense in
spelling according to how it sounds when America are spelled -ence in Canada.
spoken. Below are the main differences §§ Nouns ending with -ogue in British
between the two. English end with either -og or -ogue in
§§ The letter z is pronounced “zee” by American English.
Americans and “zed” by Canadians.
§§ Americans use -er while Canadians
use -re.
§§ Americans use -or while Canadians
use -our.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 73

Lesson 28: oo and ui
This lesson explores some of the digraphs that spell the sound “oo.” LESSON 28 WORD LISTS

RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT A B C

boot moonlight noodle
Saying “oooo.” oo comes in the middle of words,
except for too, woo, and zoo; ooze, kangaroo, and voodoo. fruit recruit sluice
spoon roost woolen (woollen)
ui comes in the middle of a very few words which can be fitted
into one jingle: juice bruising cuisine
The recruit who worked on a sluice, who loved French cuisine and broom loophole boorish
who was then in pursuit of my sister’s suitor, spilled fruit juice and noodles hoodlums boomerang
ruined his suit and suitcases. What a nuisance that he had nothing
suitable to wear on the cruise. kangaroo woo voodoo
loon balloons noose
Example Words:
zoo ooze foolproof
A: boot, fruit, zoo babboon
stool crooned coolie
B: balloon, sluice, ooze
suit sluice ruined
C: boomerang, nuisance, voodoo
cruise suitable suitor
fruit
fly mood moose crooned
too bootleg nuisance
raccoon afternoon moot

74 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 28: oo and ui

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

§§ Two words in the list, hoodlums and Add oo and ui to U Street. Be sure to
woolen, can be pronounced with the include a few representative words.
alternative sound of oo as in look. (See
Lesson 34 on another sound of oo.)

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 75

Lesson 29: The Tricky E’s
E’s are tricky because they often are doing a job. If a suffix comes LESSON 29 WORD LISTS
along that can do the same thing, then the e can be lazy and let
another letter take his job! A B C
promote M3 debatable M3 inspiring M3
Lesson 26 taught the Decorative E while Lesson 24 taught the
Magic E. The Poker E will be taught in Lesson 38, but it has been advancement P2 subduing P2 adjectival D4
referenced several times before now, so it should be familiar. inspired M3 manageable P2 advancing P2
If you haven’t created a suffix list, now would be a good time to deserving D4 vengeful P2 pursuant D4
start one. argument D4 changeable P2 revengeful P2
revenge P2 rescuing D4 valuation D4
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT
dove presumably M3 rebuking M3 inspiration M3
The Decorative E is called D4
because it flees before four major suffixes: value D4 arguable D4 provocation M3
-ed, -ing, -able, -ment. central P2 chargeable P2 occurrence P2
The Magic E is called M3 partridge rescue D4 amusement M3 amusing M3
because it flees before three vowel suffixes:
-ed, -ing, and -able, but not before -ment. avenging P2 deleted M3 manageable P2
debate M3 revengeful P2 lovable D4
The Poker E is called P2
because it flees before only two suffixes: proposal M3 receivable D4 concentration
-ed and -ing, but not before -able and -ment. crane continually D4 gyrating M3 M3
starvation D4 presumable M3 movable D4
inducement M4

76 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 29: The Tricky E’s

D is for Decorate, and since four suffixes

DISCUSSION POINTS §§ Central is included on the list because
cause the e to flee, we call those D4. All the words in the list require a student the Syllable E in the Canadian
to determine the word root first. Once you spelling, centre, flees with the addition
Since the Decorative E is not needed when
there is a suffix (v or u is no longer at the know the root, you can determine what of -al.
end of the word), the e flees. kind of e it is and then whether or not it §§ Starvation has the root starve
M is for Magic, and since three suffixes will flee. Get your detective hats out, and (Decorative E). The e flees for the
cause the e to flee, they are called M3. have fun finding the other roots with an addition of any suffix with the
The three suffixes that cause the e to flee e at the end. Decide if the e should flee Decorative E. In this case it is -ation
all begin with a vowel that promises the or stay. causing the fleeing.
fleeing e that they will be sure to bop the
preceding vowel on the head and make it Kind of E Flees for
long. Since -ment does not have a bopping THE PHONETIC ZOO
Decorative -ed, -ing, -able, -ment
vowel, the e stays. There is nothing to add to the Phonetic
(any suffix)
P is for Poker, and since the e only flees Zoo for this lesson. However, if your
for -ing and -ed, it is dubbed P2. Magic -ed, -ing, -able (suffixes students need practice, make a game.
The Poker E might be new to students. The beginning with a vowel) Write root words on individual cards and
Poker E makes the c and g say their soft
Poker -ed, -ing (suffixes the suffixes on other cards. Invite students
sound. (C says “s” when followed by an e, to choose one root card and one suffix card
i, or y. G often says “j” when followed by beginning with e or i)
an e, i, or y.) In Poker, players will bluff, so
and decide if the e will flee or not. They
the Poker E helps the c or g fool the other Note: Some other suffixes in the spelling can use the word lists to check.
players regarding who they really are. Since lists for your suffix chart are: -al, -ation,
-ing and -ed both begin with a letter that -tion, -ful, and -ant. Although they are not
can soften the c or g, the e can flee. included in the flee list, it is easy to tell
if the e should flee from the examples we
do have.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 77

Lesson 30: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
It is the rule, spelling applies Use the list to give a spelling test to your student daily until he
To all subjects each and every day. achieves a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
“It’s tedious,” he cries, she cries, administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
“Since we must collect errors cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
Before we play.”
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

78 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 30: Personal Spelling

LESSON 30 WORD LIST Level B: Tricky -ing and -ed Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS When adding -ing or -ed to a word, These words are from the 240 Commonly
If your students did not remember to consider the Magic E. Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4.
collect words for this lesson, never fear! The words chosen review the concepts
If a Magic E is there, let the -ing or -ed
Additional word lists are provided on this from earlier lessons. Reference the jingles
take its place.
page. You can also use these lists to add as needed.
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. But remember: -ing and -ed can also do
comparative severely
the magic and make a short vowel long.
Levels A: Sounds of O You’d better protect it by doubling the government arithmetic
consonant. Interestingly, x can protect preferred ascend
The letter o can make four sounds. Two
the vowel all by itself. There are rare encouraging loneliness
of them are generally accepted: short-o as
exceptions. tyranny mathematics
in hop, long-o as in go. However, the letter
dormitory transferring
can also be pronounced as a short-u as in hoping coming biked technique prominent
come, and “oo” as do. Practice spelling these shining changing knitting
sounds of o. A few of the vowel pairs for o existent
dining picnicking stopped
have been thrown in, so watch for them. losing snacking boxing
bowl honey who beginning marveled beginning
into move croup
done soup soul
spoon to son
do beyond tomb

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 79

Lesson 31: ew
This lesson explores more ways to spell the sound “oo.” The letters LESSON 31 WORD LISTS
ue and ew are used at the end of words because no English word
ends in u or i. A B C
flew renew view
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT true true yew
Coming at the end of a few words, ew says “oo.” too ooze caribou
Example Words: grew blew clue
A: flew, grew, true shrew juice blue steward
B: renew, blew, sluice kangaroo sluice sluice
C: view, steward, strewn fruit recruit nuisance
few stew pew
fool balloon curfew
suit bruising ruined
mood menu shrew
new knew dewy
chew brewed drew
cruise suitable prunes
crew strew strewn

80 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 31: ew

DISCUSSION POINTS Level A THE PHONETIC ZOO

All Levels §§ You might want to make a card to help Add ew to U Street, which contains the
your students remember the difference sounds of “oo.”
§§ Observe the many digraphs used to between to, two, and too.
spell the sound “oo”: oo, ui, ue, ew, Also add ue and ou to U Street because
and ou. §§ Notice the No Job E at the end of they also say “oo.”
cruise that makes the s say its voiced
§§ Remind students that no English sound, “zee.” Review the sounds of the letter o.
words end in i, so use ui in the middle
of words and ue at the end of words. Level B
§§ Be sure to introduce your students §§ Observe the root of bruising: bruise.
to the shrew: Shrews are very small §§ Although no English word ends in
and extremely aggressive animals. u, menu is legal because it is not an
Amassing more than one hundred English word; it is French.
species, they can be found on all
the continents except Australia and §§ Note that ew came at the end of the
Antarctica. Surprisingly, shrews are root of brewed.
related to moles and are not rodents. Level C
These nocturnal animals can burrow
and swim. §§ Although no English words end in
u, caribou is legal because its origin is
Canadian French.
§§ The sound of “oo” in the word ruined is
created by the u alone. Review the four
sounds of u: its short sound, its long
sound, “oo,” and u in put.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 81

Lesson 32: oi and oy
These digraphs make the piggy sound. Notice that there are LESSON 32 WORD LISTS
exceptions to the rule.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT boiling joint ointment
oi says “oy” and comes in the middle of words coin pointless poisonous
such as poisonous poinsettia. royal employ boycotting
While oy says “oy” at the end of words
such as “I enjoy being in his employ.” spoil voiced foibles
toy loyal embroil
Example Words: decoy royalty employment
boid snake
A: royal, decoy, oil
oil recoil invoice
B: employ, coined, poise
noise poise hoist
C: poisonous, foibles, destroyed soy boyhood ploy
coy employer destroyed
point coined poinsettia
toy poodle
coiled exploit roiled
enjoy enjoyable unemployment
join soiled hoi polloi
boil foiled Detroit

82 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 32: oi and oy

DISCUSSION POINTS There are two unusual words in this week’s THE PHONETIC ZOO
§§ Remind students that no English Level C list. The pairs oi and oy deserve their own
words end in i, so use oy instead of oi at §§ The word boycott has its origin in a section of the Phonetic Zoo, the Pig Pens.
the end words. name. Charles C. Boycott (1832–97)
§§ Pay attention when suffixes are added. was an English estate manager in
The root will still use oy even when Ireland. When he refused to lower
there is a suffix (as in enjoyable). his exorbitant rent, everyone in town
§§ A few words are exceptions to the rule: agreed not to deal with him. His
loyal, royal, and boycott. Notice that the experience became so well-known
oy is at the end of the first syllable. that his last name came to mean
to combine in abstaining from, or
preventing dealings with, as a means
of intimidation or coercion: to boycott
a store.
§§ Hoi polloi is a Greek term literally
meaning the many referring to the
greater number or the commonality,
ordinary people who are not
particularly rich or famous. “Fans were
delighted to see their heroes riding
with the hoi polloi.” (Tom Parfitt.
“Spartak in Subway Sprint.” Guardian
(London, UK); Nov 1, 2006.)

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 83

Lesson 33: qu and gu
The letter q is always followed by the letter u in English words. LESSON 33 WORD LISTS
The letter g is occasionally accompanied by the letter u, primarily
to ensure that it keeps its hard sound when the next letter is an e, i, A B C
or y. (See Lesson 38: The Poker E.) guide guess liquid
guilt intrigue liquor
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT guard rogue plaque
The q always has its u
as in quake, queen, and quilt. quail aquarium guarding quilting
guitar guarantee qualification
The silent u prevents the g
iguana quail quantity disguise
from turning soft.
Guilt and guard, not gym and gem. acquaintance guidance beguile
Example Words: antique guardian cliquishness
A: guide, guard, quake quake quench gubernatorial
B: guess, rogue, quest quart quotation prerequisite
C: beguile, liquid, disguise quickly liquidate unique
quiet quest quagmire
quite quota guiltiness
quiz quaint quarantine
queen quill tongue

84 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 33: qu and gu

DISCUSSION POINTS Qu is pretty straightforward, but gu §§ It is interesting that the Magic E can
Anna Ingham of the Blended Sound-Sight requires more explanation. Encourage jump over both the g and the u in rogue
Program of Learning developed letter students to think of the letter g as a fragile to make the o long. The u is there to
stories to help her students remember the letter who is easily frightened into saying keep the g from saying its soft sound.
letters’ sounds and shapes. “j” (his soft sound) when an e, i, or y come §§ The u in gubernatorial is actually
sneaking up behind him. Unlike the letter making a vowel sound, “oo,” and
Each letter was personified with a little c, which always says its soft sound “s” when not just following along to keep g
story about them. These stories are followed by an e, i, or y, the letter g is more company.
illustrated in the Printing with Letter forgetful and sometimes keeps his hard
Stories program. (See IEW.com/PLS-BL.) sound as in girl, gift, and give. THE PHONETIC ZOO
The stories for q and g help explain this
spelling lesson. To ensure the hard sound of g, the sweet There is no specific place in the Zoo for
princess u comes along to protect him the gu and qu, but you can add it to a
The letter q is a queen with in guilt and guess. Even though she isn’t consonant section if you wish.
her train flowing behind necessary in words like guard and guarantee
her. Princess u must come because the letter a is not supposed to
along behind to carry it. make the g soft, she still comes along to
The g is the draggy leg keep him company. The letter g does not
letter. Mrs. Ingham would like the letter w, so when the sound “gw” is
limp across the room like needed, use gu instead.
the draggy-legged g with
her crooked foot dragging
behind her while she grunted,
“g…g…g.”

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 85

Lesson 34: oo
Stories help students remember the sounds of digraphs. When the LESSON 34 WORD LISTS
letters oo are between two tall letters, imagine they are lying in a
hammock. They grunt “oo” as in look as they drop down to rest. A B C
foot footage nook
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT crook crooked good-bye
oo in a hammock under the k tree says “oo” she together Brooklyn
As in cook, took, and book; look, rook, and hook.
Under the t and d trees saying and singing “oo” book booked bookie
As in good, hood, and wood, hook hooking hooked
as in foot and soot. the cookbook ye
Example Words: rook rookie rookery
A: cook, foot, she, me cook cooking booking
bookworm
B: rookie, wooden, hammock we dollars retook
C: nook, good-bye, surety brook booklet precooked
good wooden kookaburra
be hammock surety
cookie woolen (woollen) wooded
rook
took rookery bookmobile
me kook partook

86 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 34: oo

DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ This lesson also reinforces the Open Add oo to Leftover Alley for its grunting
E words. Most are in the Level A list, sound as in look.
§§ This lesson also reinforces the Open but this list adds the old-fashioned ye.
E words since there are not enough of Also, add Open E and its words to
them to make their own lesson. The §§ The letter u can also grunt like the E Street: be, me, we, she, he, and ye.
Open E words are short words that “oo” as in the word surety. It more
end in e. Since the e is open and not commonly grunts in words like put,
closed, it says its name: “eeee” as in me, pull, and push.
be, ye. The word the is an exception to §§ Note that the su pair sometimes says
the Open E rule. Throw it in jail! “sh” as in surety, sugar, sure.

Level B
Kookaburra sits in an old gum tree …
§§ The word together is in the list to
reinforce the “to” sound. Kookaburras are a native bird to Australia. Related to kingfishers, they have a
§§ Be sure your students realize that laughing call that sings out at dusk and again every dawn such that they are known
ending in hammock is not the oo under as the bushman’s clock.
the k tree (-ook). The word is included Valuable because they eat snakes and lizards, kookaburras can also be a nuisance
because it is referred to in the jingle. animal since they will eat farmyard ducklings and baby chicks.
An Australian gum tree is actually a eucalyptus, so I don’t think the kookaburra
really found gumdrops to eat there.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 87

Lesson 35: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
It’s a rule, correct spelling counts. Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
On spell-checkers, do not rely! achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
The evidence unfavorably mounts. administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
Readers notice it, one can’t deny. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

88 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 35: Personal Spelling

LESSON 35 WORD LIST Levels A: More Babysitters Level B: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS In Lesson 11, you learned about the possible equipped
If your students did not remember to babysitters for the letter a: l, u, w, and t. arctic grammar
collect words for this lesson, never fear! The letter u also has babysitters: l, sh, and t. control opportunity
Additional word lists are provided on this Instead of whining, the letter u sometimes writing balance
page. You can also use these lists to add grunts as in put. The jail words could, February schedule
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. would, and should are included in this list. definition generally
should push bush frantically miniature
The lists for Level A expands the
babysitters rule while the Level B and C put hull skull sacrifice
lists provide commonly misspelled words wood would husk Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
from the collection in Appendix 4. The pull bull mush
specimen exhilarate
words in the B and C lists were chosen to could full hood
business mysterious
review the concepts from earlier lessons.
category personnel
Reference the jingles as needed.
paralysis temperamental
technique paralyze (paralyse)
truly accumulate
personal describe
acquitted

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 89

Lesson 36: Consonant Blends
Some consonants blend together so smoothly that they sound like LESSON 36 WORD LISTS
one letter. Teach your students to listen carefully for all the sounds
in a word. A B C
small smack smite
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT snake sneeze sneakers
It’s a consonant blend where sounds are clear. glass gloated glisten
Trim, trash, and trend;
splish, splash, and spear. dwarf dwelling dwindled
train treasure stratagem
Example Words: grease grieve grievously
A: small, train, plead swan
squeeze squeal squall
B: sneeze, grieve, sprawl
ostrich slumber sloped sluice
C: smite, squall, prowl strain slender constraint
fly freely frightening
plead plumb pleasurable
spring sprawl sprightly
sparrow
prawn prolong prowl
brake browse breathable
clean claws clownish

90 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 36: Consonant Blends

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

The Consonant Blends
If your students often miss these If needed, add the consonant blends to the
consonant blends, explain that although sc bl br consonant area of the Phonetic Zoo.
they blend together like juice, they need scr cl cr
to be spelled letter-by-letter. To help, you sk fl dr
may want to create a list of the blends and
practice saying them to improve student sl gl fr
awareness. sm pl gr
sn sl kr
sp spl pr
spr spr
squ dw sr
st sw tr
str tw wr
sw

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 91

Lesson 37: Plurals
When dealing with plurals, it is important for students to identify LESSON 37 WORD LISTS
the root word first, and then apply the plural rule. Add -s and -es
to your suffix list. A B C
brains wieners stockholders
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT railways receipts ceilings
Add an s to form the plurals: boxes witches curries
ghosts, grades, wheels, and curls.
armies groceries libraries
Add es when an end-sound hisses leaves coaches wharves
as in boxes, wishes, watches, and kisses.
grasses knives potatoes
Change y to i and add es, ladies,
as in cities, hobbies, families, and babies. apples foes precincts
glasses batches quizzes
Change f to v and add es, elves,
as in leaves, wolves, halves, and shelves. dries theories ceremonies

Example Words: peaches rosebushes arches

A: brains, boxes, dries frogs monkeys turkeys picnics
bakeries boundaries facilities
B: receipts, theories, wharves canaries
C: arches, picnics, libraries wolves wharves grieves
foxes wolves thieves bunches matches
shoes dairies diaries

92 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 37: Plurals

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

Quiz—a Made-Up Word?
§§ Note that when a word ends in ay or It is alleged that the word quiz was made If you have a list of suffixes in your zoo,
ey, you do not change the y to i and up by James Daly, a late 18th-century add -s and -es. If needed, review the use of
add -es; instead just add the s as in Dublin theatre manager, when he made a the possessive: apostrophe-s.
railways, monkeys, and turkeys. The y is wager that he could introduce a new word
changed when it is the only vowel at into the English language overnight. Using
chalk, urchins were hired to write the word
the end of a word. quiz on every wall and billboard in Dublin.
§§ The Decorative E does not flee for a By the next day, everyone was talking
plural. The root remains intact. about it.
§§ To keep its long sound, the o in the Actually, the word quiz is first recorded in
root potato gets an -es added to make 1749 meaning an odd person.
it plural. Quiz may come from the Latin Qui es?—
meaning Who are you?—the first question
§§ The word quizzes needs to double the asked in Latin oral exams in grammar
z to keep the e in -es from making the schools, or it may be a shortening of the
i long. word inquisitive.
Information from stason.org/TULARC

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 93

Lesson 38: The Poker E
The Poker E jingle helps students remember that c and g say their LESSON 38 WORD LISTS
soft sound when followed by an e, i, or y.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT gem cringe magician
With few exceptions, when the g comes before e, i, or y, it sounds ginger general geraniums
like “j,” but you put g as in gentleman, ginger, and gymnasium. police gypsum gymnastics
With no exceptions when the c comes before e, i, or y, it sounds gentle circular cynical
like “s,” but you put c as in cedar, cider, and cyclone. cider cycle medicine
Example Words: cement gingerly hygienist
A: gem, police, gym magic circumstance encyclopedia
B: cringe, gingerly, receive badger huge gyrate gestures
C: cynical, cereal, gestures gym gigantic gynecology
city circus cygnet
cinema insurance giggled
rhinoceros cyclone receive cereal
generous gimmick giblets
gypsy genuine cyst
germ geese gingham

94 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 38: The Poker E

DISCUSSION POINTS If you can’t use the idea of guns in your §§ A cygnet is a young swan, not to be
§§ The title of this lesson, The Poker E, classroom, change it to a poker face. confused with a signet, which is a seal
comes from the Anna Ingham Blended Students can cover their face, masking made to give personal authority to a
Sound-Sight Program of learning. The the true letter to be written. document.
pantomime to go with this rule took The Poker E can also be used to help §§ Merriam-Webster defines giblet so
students back to the Old West. students determine whether they nicely: the edible viscera of a fowl. I
Pretending she was an old-time should put a c or a k for the sound would have simply called them the
gunslinger, Anna would begin walking “k.” The general rule of thumb is to guts, which are actually the heart, liver,
forward while reciting, “When a always put a c for the “k” sound at the and gizzard (stomach), but I personally
g (step) is followed by an e (step) i beginning of words (such as come, can, don’t consider them eatable.
(step) or y (step) it sounds like a j … and corner). However, if the second
(Say that slowly while you sneakily letter is an e, i, or y, you have to put k, THE PHONETIC ZOO
move your hand toward an imaginary or the first sound won’t be hard (as in
kind, kettle, and Kyoto). There are no Add the Poker E to E Street.
holster.), but you put g !! (Say the
last phrase rapidly while pulling the words to practice this in the spelling
imaginary pistol out suddenly.) The list, but you can add some to a personal
same pantomime is repeated with the spelling lesson if you see that your
letter c saying “s.” students miss them.
The kids loved it. Anna Ingham’s §§ There are a few exceptions for the soft
nephew, Dr. James Webster, came up sound of “g” when a g is followed by an
with the title of The Poker E for the e, i, or y. The exceptions in these lists
e at the end of a word making a c or g are gimmick, gynecology, giggled, and
soft, hence the name of the lesson and gingham.
the name of the jingle.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 95

Lesson 39: Six Consonants Rock – Part I
Because the letters l, m, f, n, x, and s have the short-e sound in their LESSON 39 WORD LISTS
name (el, em, ef, en, ex, and es), students often forget to include the
e in spelling. Knowing which letters are loud when they talk will A B C
help the e from being lost. effect effectual effeminate
effective effusive effervescent
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT effort elaborate efficiency
Six Consonants Rock, camel
L, M, and F elbow elegy elapse
N, X, and S elder elasticized elated
Very loud they talk encircle encourage endeavor
Behind the E they walk. (endeavour)
emporer electrical electrocute
Example Words: penguin electorate
element elegant
A: effect, elbow, ember extra explore electrify
B: elegy, escort, embargo exacting
elephant elevation
C: elapse, excerpt, emaciated eland elevator eligible
examine escort elitism
elk
excerpt
embark embargo
ember embassy emaciated
emblem embarrass emancipate
emasculated

96 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 39: Six Consonants Rock – Part I

DISCUSSION POINTS §§ The Canadian spelling of endeavor is THE PHONETIC ZOO

§§ Anna Ingham found her students in parentheses. Add the consonant blends to the
often left out the e when spelling §§ Dr. Webster taught in Africa for many consonant area of the Phonetic Zoo
words with these “loud” letters. For years before returning to Canada. He if desired.
example, valentine would often be must have been thinking of elands, the
spelled valntine. So she pictured each African antelopes with the curly horns,
of the loud letters as a momma bear when writing these spelling lists.
with baby bear (e) alongside. Momma
bear was so scary, no one saw little
baby e. Nevertheless, momma bear
would never forget her baby e.
§§ Since these letters are most easily
missed when they occur at the
beginning of words, our entire list
begins with the letter e.
§§ Note that although we tend to
pronounce some of these words
beginning with the long-e sound, e.g.,
effect, the dictionary recommends a
short-i sound instead.
§§ Interestingly, when “ef ” is at the
beginning of a word, the f is always
doubled. The only exception in my
college dictionary is eft, a kind of newt.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 97

Lesson 40: Personal Spelling
Every fifth lesson is a Personal Spelling lesson, where students can WORD LISTS
practice the words that they missed while writing letters, reports, Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
or other documents. This lesson provides the individualization list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
necessary to ensure each student has a good command of spelling. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
It’s a rule when opening a letter Use the list to give a spelling test to your students daily until they
Of application for a job— achieve a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
For worse or for better, administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
The perfect speller gets the nod. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
§§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

98 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 40: Personal Spelling

LESSON 40 WORD LIST Levels A: ch/tch and ge/dge at the end Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
SUGGESTIONS of words These words are from the 240 Commonly
If your students did not remember to Generally use -tch and -dge when the Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4.
collect words for this lesson, never fear! vowel is single and short and -ch and
Discern which words end in -ance and
Additional word lists are provided on this -ge when the vowel is long or a digraph.
which use -ence.
page. You can also use these lists to add Unfortunately, there are many exceptions
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. to the -tch rule. Also note that no English absence excellence
word ends in j, so use -ge. reference conscience
The lists for Levels A and B offer preference appearance
additional spelling rules that are not much slouch ostrich
existence perseverance
covered in the other lessons. The list for scorch botched badge
disappearance independence
Level C contains commonly misspelled watching ledge richer
intelligence precedence
words related to the rules presented in the sludge ditch strange
performance hindrance
previous lesson. attach sandwich lunge
attendance
Level B: Commonly Misspelled Words
These words are from the 240 Commonly
Misspelled Words list in Appendix 4. The
words chosen review the concepts from
earlier lessons. Reference the jingles as
needed.
pastime arguing ridiculous
salary annual specifically
tries similar omitted
athletic lose studying
restaurant probably precede

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 99

Lesson 41: Six Consonants Rock – Part II
This lesson displays more of our loud consonant friends with their LESSON 41 WORD LISTS
Companion E, all showing up at the beginning of words. The lists
contain many other rules that have been learned over these many A B C
lessons, so look for them! enamel enable enamored
encased enchained (enamoured)
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT enchanted enclosure encampment
Six Consonants Rock encompass
L, M, and F endear encounter
N, X, and S enemy encroach encyclopedic
Very loud they talk elections elderly enigma
Behind the E they walk. elective
engaged endanger
Example Words: escargot (snail) engineer endurance exuberant
A: enemy, engaged, elk elk elementary exposure
B: enable, elderly, estate electrolysis
especially establish
C: enigma, exuberant, escalate escape estate escalate
eleven eliminate escargot
ellipse
export expand
exert exchange exonerate
explode exalted extremely
exploit

100 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 41: Six Consonants Rock – Part II

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

Escargot
§§ The Canadian spellings of words are I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Webster Your Phonetic Zoo should be complete!
in parentheses ( ). in 2008 at a writing symposium. One Take a tour through the zoo and review
§§ Note the silent t in escargot. evening at dinner, someone ordered some of the many sounds you have learned.
escargot (snails), which reminded Dr.
Webster of a time when he and a group
of boys from his African school went
to a French restaurant while traveling
in Europe.
The boys had grown up eating the huge
African snails that grew up to twelve inches
in size. After European food, they were
eager for some familiar African dishes.
Imagine their disappointment when all
that arrived on their plate were a few of
the garden-variety kind of snails that grow
in Europe—which also came with a much
bigger price tag!

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 101

Lesson 42: Rhino Words
Many words have letters that are silent. LESSON 42 WORD LISTS

RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT A B C

ghost ghastly rhapsody
A rhino word comes with a silent letter, such as ghost, gnat,
and listen. wrote shipwreck wrestle
kneel knives knocking
Example Words:
listen batch stalking
A: rhino, wrote, catch
chalk bristlebird Lincoln
B: ghastly, glisten, thumb
guards guardian guarantee
C: stalking, knotted, gnarled
lamb
chorus rhinoceros rhetoric
wrap wrist wreath
ptarmigan knitting knowledge knotted
catch glisten ptarmigan
walking halve plumber
folks talkative gnarled
rhino rhubarb rheumatism
comb thumb numb
rhino
knock gnome rhythm

102 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 42: Rhino Words

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

Ptarmigan
In Sound City, Anna Ingham used a A ptarmigan is an Arctic bird, found mostly If you have not added a Rhino Pen to
ghost poster to teach her first graders the in the tundra of northern Canada and house all the silent letter words, add
silent letters. Because of his experience in Greenland. The white-tailed variety can one now.
Africa, Dr. Webster preferred the rhino. be found in Alaska and the northwestern
After all, rhinos don’t say anything, but you U.S. Living their lives mostly on the
ground, they have feathered feet to better
had better keep your eye on them as they walk on the snow, and they change color
might sneak up on you silently! three times each year to match their
Students should look for typical patterns surroundings: white in the winter, brown/
gold/black in the summer, and gray in
for rhino words, such as wr, kn, gh, mb, rh, the fall.
etc.
Although it only shows up once in this list,
the -tch ending is quite common because
tch is used when the ch appears after a
short vowel as in catch, butcher, and pitch.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 103

Lesson 43: The Three Shuns
Andrew Pudewa and James Webster must have had fun with the LESSON 43 WORD LISTS
placard on the front of this rule’s Zoo Card. No zoo animal, just a
sign saying “Politicians, Note: Occasional Extinctions Occur.” A B C
vacation stationery immigration
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT conclusion confession occasional
The Three Shuns addition reflection tuition
70% of them tion
as in direction and petition. explanation sectional pronunciation
20% of them sion POLITICIANS mission decision commission
as in occasion and recession. NOTE: division emotional absorption
10% of them cian are always people
as politician and pediatrician. OCCASIONAL direction traditional constitutional
EXTINCTIONS optician musicians physicians
Example Words: OCCUR action instructional revolutionary
A: addition, mission, optician
motion optional abbreviation
B: sectional, decision, musician
session politician statistician
C: tuition, occasional, physician
nation population prohibition
education imitation possession
permission commission accommodation
dictionary situation intuition

104 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 43: The Three Shuns

DISCUSSION POINTS Knowing the Latin and Greek word roots

THE PHONETIC ZOO
§§ Watch out for the homophones can help with definitions of some of this These three four-letter endings (-cian,
stationery and stationary. Stationery lesson’s words: -sion, -tion) can hang around Digraph
means the paper one writes letters on. Word Root Meaning Delivery, waiting for the train to come in
It is sold by a stationer, so use er, not so that they can campaign.
optician opt/ops relating to the
ar, in the spelling. Stationary means eye; an eye
not moving. doctor
musician mousike or referring
muse to the arts;
someone who
plays music
politician politikos civic or
citizen who
is an elected
official
physician phys body; a doctor
trained to be
a healer

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 105

Lesson 44: Homonyms III
There are plenty of homonyms in the English language. Here are LESSON 44 WORD LISTS
some more to play with.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT steal affect clique
Do you ever hear grouse grousing? to overdue marshall
Do ants have aunts? steel effect click
Did you ever see a lynx on the golf links?
witch led martial
Example Words: too overdo accept
A: steal, too, its which lead (the noun) ninety
B: affect, piece, principle its lead (the verb) except
C: clique, martial, gilt two plumb ninth
it’s links gilt
grouse
night lynx affect
knight peace guilt
sight piece effect
lynx
ants plum reads
aunts principle stationary
ants grouse principal reeds

106 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 44: Homonyms III

DISCUSSION POINTS Level C THE PHONETIC ZOO

Level A §§ Ninety and ninth are not homophones, Continue to practice homophones using
but the frustration of remembering a chart, such as a hoarse horse, in your
§§ Grouse has two meanings with the which gets the e and which does not Phonetic Zoo.
same spelling. It can be a noun put them in this list. Ninety needs
referring to a certain kind of game the e (Magic E rule) while the two
bird, or a verb meaning to grumble. consonants after the i in ninth make Affect or Effect?
Level B the i long. Usually we use effect as a noun and affect
as a verb.
§§ Since stationery (paper for letter
§§ In addition to being a homophone To affect someone/something is to
writing) landed in Lesson 43, its
with the word led, the word lead is a influence, or produce some effect upon.
counterpart is included here to
true homonym and also a homograph. The effect is what happens, the result, if
round out the list. Stationary means
The same spelling can have two you affect someone or something.
not moving.
pronunciations. With the short-e Affect is rarely used as a noun; effect is
sound, lead is a noun, the element. not often used as a verb.
With a long-e sound, it is the verb A mnemonic for affect and effect is
meaning to direct. Another word that RAVEN: Remember, Affect is usually a
does this is read; the tenses of the verb Verb and Effect is usually a Noun.
are pronounced differently. Today I
will read; yesterday I read.
§§ To remember that principle is a thing
and principal is a person, consider, The
principal of your school is your pal.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 107

Lesson 45: The Talkative Vowels
Just because two vowels are together does not mean that one LESSON 45 WORD LISTS
speaks and one is silent. Sometimes, they both talk.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT radio geology cameo
The Talkative Vowels:
trio iodine lionize
When two noisy vowels walk, media violin neocolonialism
Like in trio, piano, and rodeo,
rodeo piano diorama
They both like to blabber and to talk
Quiet, react, dioxin, video. Inuit tuition anorexia
quiet realize reappoint
The greatest talker is i, you see,
As in triangle, dioxide, and stadium. react radiate reiterate
Next is that happy and busy e poems reinvest palladium
React, reinstate, neon, museum.
oriole ruin science reimburse
Example Words: rhea
museum meander reassess
A: rodeo, quiet, museum neon realization intuition
B: violin, piano, realize dioxin diagram incipient
C: phobia, reimburse, suicide boa
trial stadium reinstate
poetry rearm acrophobia
video coliseum suicide

108 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 45: The Talkative Vowels

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

Chemical Words
§§ When two vowels are together, they dioxin: a highly toxic pollutant produced This is a good time to review the sounds
usually work together to make a by burning waste as well as during other of each of the vowels.
unique sound. However, with the industrial processes, which has been
talkative vowels they both insist on brought down to much safer levels since
speaking. the 1970s
§§ Notice that the first vowel is long neon: a gaseous element which glows
bright orange-red under certain conditions.
while the second is usually short. That In 1910 George Claude made a lamp from
is because of syllabication. Each of the an electrified tube of neon gas.
vowels is in its own syllable. geology: the study of the earth
Since the first syllable must be open, iodine: This element is critical for thyroid
the first vowel always says its name. function, and its deficiency is the leading
The second vowel is usually closed, cause of preventable mental retardation
but not always. See Appendix 3 for a in humans. Iodized salt is one way to
discussion of the six syllable types. ensure everyone is getting enough iodine
in his diet.
§§ If a vowel pair is not in the zoo, such
palladium: a rare, lustrous, silvery-white
as io or ia, then it must be talkative. metal that is part of the platinum group
Notice that the letter i sometimes says and is used in the production of catalytic
“ee” when it is open, as in trio, piano, converters in cars
and anorexia.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 109

Lesson 46: Jail Words
Now that you know most of the rules, it is time to put the LESSON 46 WORD LISTS
exceptions in jail.
A B C
RULE, JINGLE, OR HINT words great beautiful
A jail word is one which breaks the rule. works friends lieutenant
worm world pigeons
Example Words:
love worry heard
A: words, floor, sugar
door gizzard young
B: friends, wonder, steak
emu
shoe something sure
C: pigeons, sure, ocean
floor wonder anywhere
kiwi
said cuckoo caterpillars
among weird laughed
does menu ocean
goes steak guillotine
neither country tongue
women many inveigle
sugar you oozing
gear boycott movement

110 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 46: Jail Words

DISCUSSION POINTS THE PHONETIC ZOO

§§ The jail was created by a student in Check on your zoo’s jail. Discuss what
Anna Ingham’s classroom when he rules each of the words had broken. If you
discovered a word that had broken the decide to pardon some of them, add the
rules; it had to go to jail. The students rules to your Phonetic Zoo.
had fun holding court every morning
over words they had found at home to
determine if they were guilty enough
to go to jail.
§§ Not all spelling programs use the same
rules and may have rules to pardon
some of the Phonetic Zoo jailbirds.
Some programs recognize the short-u
sound of o or the “wer” sound of wor.
However, simplifying the rules is
sometimes easier. It is up to you to
decide how full your jail will be.
§§ Sometimes it helps students to
remember jail-word spellings by
pronouncing them as they should
be pronounced if you followed the
phonics rules. It can be fun, especially
trying to say “la-ooo-g-h” for laugh.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 111

Lesson 47: Personal Spelling
Although this is the last personal spelling lesson for this level, we WORD LISTS
hope that your students have seen the value in continuing to work Students should choose fifteen words from their personal spelling
on their personal spelling challenges to help them gain a solid list and write them on the lesson card. Have students examine the
command of spelling for life. spelling of each word to determine the spelling rules involved.
PERSONAL SPELLING LIST JINGLE SPELLING TEST
The final rule for you to learn: Use the list to give a spelling test to your student daily until he
Never careless be. achieves a score of 100 percent two days in a row. This test can be
When in doubt, be sure to turn administered by a fellow student, sibling, parent, or recorded on a
To the diction-ar-y. cassette tape or on a computer for independent work.
Don’t be an exception to the rule, The person who helps should, as much as possible, present the
Spelling wretchedly every day. words and corrections in the same style as the recorded lessons:
Good spelling’s a most excellent tool,
Setting you confidently on your way. §§ Say the word, use it in a sentence, and then repeat the word.
§§ At the end of the test, go through the list again for corrections.
§§ Say the word and spell it slowly. Do this twice.
The Personal Spelling lessons are an essential component of
Excellence in Spelling and enable a further personalization of the
program for each student. Do not fail to do them.

112 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Lesson 47: Personal Spelling

WORD LIST SUGGESTIONS Level A: ng Level B: Commonly Misspelled Words

If your students did not remember to ng can come after i as in sing. cemetery practically
collect words for this lesson, never fear! ng can come after o as in song. analysis village
Additional word lists are provided on this ng can come after u as in sung. parallel rhyme
page. You can also use these lists to add But it rarely comes after e— privilege apartment
lessons to the Phonetic Zoo. Only in English, England, strength, unnecessary sincerely
and length. possibility prejudice
The list for Level A adds another spelling
rule. The lists for Levels B and C contain string wing bring necessary optimistic
commonly misspelled words related to belong ding strong unanimous
the rules presented in the previous lesson. stung England king Level C: Commonly Misspelled Words
Review the jingles as needed. clinging hanger cling
The remaining forty-five words from the
strength long length
list that were not presented in Level C are
provided on the next page should you like
to finish with them.
battalion perspiration
controversial occasionally
description preparation
hypocrisy profession
exaggerate repetition
familiar separation
foreign succession
marriage

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 113

114 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES
Level C: Lessons 48, 49, and 50
Commonly Misspelled Words
The “Commonly Misspelled Words” in the Lesson 48 Level C Lesson 50 Level C
Level C word list suggestions came from Most Commonly Misspelled Words Most Commonly Misspelled Words
a list of 240 commonly misspelled words. apparent recommend embarrass principal
(See Appendix 4.) Most were covered in benefited conferred eliminate fluorescent
Level C, but a few words remain. compelled disappoint knowledge led (the verb)
These lists do not include the commonly preference manufacture belief lead (the noun)
misspelled word lists presented in Level B tragedy until principle
Lessons 30, 35, 40, and 47. eminent sacrilegious
formerly tendency
interesting
Lesson 49 Level C
Most Commonly Misspelled Words
eighth among
seize sense
quantity height
weather surprise
whether pursue
believe analyze (analyse)
dictionary boundaries
explanation

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 115

Final Exam Level A
Below is the dialog included on the CD. played Pick up your pen; We will now spell the words, so you can
let’s go again. correct them. (Words are spelled.)
raisin
DAY 1 relieve taller Now, count the number of words you have
Congratulations! You have completed conceive sawdust spelled correctly. Remember that number
Level A of the Excellence in Spelling leaf brown because you must add it to the number
Phonetic Zoo. Today you will take the first correct tomorrow. The total will give you
roast hello
half of your final exam. your final score.
rough grouse
There are twenty-five words in Part 1 of although lawn Be ready to take the second half of your
this test and twenty-five words in Part 2. final exam tomorrow.
Have paper and pencil or pen ready, since window sauce
the words will be given shortly. mighty curl
white dirty
The words will be given without sample
sentences, so start writing as soon as you freezing while
hear the word. Good luck! whether*
Rest your hand, drop
your pen, stretch prophet
your fingers. nephew

* If your student listens carefully, he should

hear this word as whether, not weather. If he
spells the latter, ask him to use the word in a
sentence to check which he spelled. If he is
not sure, discuss this homophone.

116 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Final Exam Level A

DAY 2 were Pick up your pen; We will now spell the words, so you can
let’s go again. correct them. (Words are spelled.)
Has tomorrow arrived? Yes, it has! Prepare income
to take Part 2 of your Level A, Excellence in jungle kangaroo OK, now count the number of words you
Spelling final exam. triple inspired have spelled correctly. Add that number
There are twenty-five words which will be handy (Magic E) to the number you had correct yesterday.
given without sentences, so start writing as revenge Have you added them? Good. This
yard
soon as you hear the word. (Poker E) number is your final exam mark. Now,
perfume listen carefully.
Let us begin. glue chew
coin If you have scored 45 or higher, you
have are ready to begin Level B. Hearty
center (centre) decoy
congratulations. Give yourself a break and
fruit guide begin Level B as soon as you wish.
noodles quail
If your total is fewer than 45 correct, it
crook
Rest your hand, drop means you do not yet know your spelling
peaches rules thoroughly. You will be happiest if
your pen, stretch
your fingers. bakeries you begin again with Level A, Lesson 1
gentle and work through the forty-seven lessons
cinema again. The second time through, it will
already be familiar, so consequently it will
go much faster and easier. You are certain
to learn the rules with another course
of practice and can attain excellence in
spelling, which surely is your goal.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 117

Final Exam Level B
Below is the dialog included on the CD. complaint Pick up your pen; We will now spell the words, so you can
let’s go again. correct them. (Words are spelled.)
decayed
PART 1 retrieve dawdle Now, count the number of words you have
Congratulations! You have completed deceived haughtily spelled correctly. Write down that number
Level B of the Excellence in Spelling spreading encircle because you must add it to the number
Phonetic Zoo. correct for Part 2 of the test. The total will
bloated seizure
give you your final score.
Today you face your final exam. There are although facial
thirty-five words in Part 1 of this test and cough phonograph You may now proceed to Part 2 today, or
thirty-five words in Part 2. Have paper and if you haven’t the time, complete the test
pencil or pen ready, since the words will be pillow hydrophobia tomorrow.
given shortly. pimento arouse
spiteful dense
The words will be given without sample
sentences, so start writing as soon as you lightning eagle
hear the word. Let’s begin: foresee kindle
stalling hyphen
prawn yogurt
doubtful presume
crowned solve
pursue
You’re halfway
through! Rest your tissue
hand, drop your pen, analyze (analyse)
stretch your fingers,
shake your hands.

118 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Final Exam Level B

PART 2 bruising Pick up your pen; We will now spell the words, so you can
let’s go again. correct them. (Words are spelled.)
Are you ready? Prepare to take Part 2 balloons
of your Level B Excellence in Spelling manageable embarrass OK, now count the number of words you
final exam. (Poker E) enclosure have spelled correctly. Add that number to
There are thirty-five words which will be arguable estate the total for Part 1. This number is your
given without sentences, so start writing as (Decorative E) final exam score.
exalted
soon as you hear the word. ooze rhinoceros If you have scored sixty-three or higher,
Let us begin. brewed* wrist you are ready to begin Level C. Give
poise yourself a break, and begin Level C as soon
glisten as you are able.
enjoyable thumb
rogue If your total is fewer than sixty-three
confession
quench correct, it means you do not yet know
sectional your spelling rules thoroughly enough.
hooking politician Remember, we suggest that you memorize
theories world the rules, jingles, and hints, using the flash
wharves wonder cards in addition to the daily testing. Begin
cringe steak (the kind again with Level B Lesson 1, and work
gyrate you eat) through the lessons again. The second
time through, it will already be familiar,
effectual many so consequently it will go much faster
electrocute violin and easier. With daily practice you will
* Brewed is a homophone (past tense of
brew). The other option is brood (a brood of Rest your hand, drop tuition undoubtedly attain excellence in spelling,
chickens). If your student spells the latter, your pen, stretch realize which surely is your goal.
accept the spelling if he can correctly define your fingers.
the word or use it in a sentence.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 119

Final Exam Level C
Below is the dialog included on the CD. maim sprawled
Congratulations! You have completed Level C of the Excellence in portrayal bureau
Spelling program, which is quite an accomplishment! Today you hygiene virtually
face your final exam. There are seventy words in this test, so it will diesel consequential
be not only a test of your spelling ability, but of your physical and deceitful leisure
mental stamina as well.
treasure xylophone
The words will be given without sample sentences, so start writing poultry physiotherapy
as soon as you hear the word. Here we go: sourdough cruise
toughen breathe
tomorrow audible
embargo subtle
plebiscite hysteria
knighthood yacht
sleepier cyclone
plausible statue
squall grieve
mournful Now, for a moment, rest your
drowsy hand, drop your pen, stretch your
traumatic fingers.

120 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Final Exam Level C

Pick up your pen; let’s go again. enigma We will now spell the words, so you can correct them. (Words are
escalate spelled.)
savior (saviour)
cuisine exonerate Whew! That was a task. Correcting is also laborious, don’t you
boomerang wrestle think? Count the number correct.
noose rhetoric If you have sixty-three or more words spelled correctly, you are
nuisance ptarmigan truly a fine, mature speller. You should never need to take formal
gnarled spelling again. Join the world of adults. If certain words continue
revengeful (Poker E)
occasional to plague you as “personal spelling demons,” try to determine
valuation (Decorative E) which rules they follow or break so that you can mentally
employment constitutional categorize them with the other words in this Phonetic Zoo.
invoice statistician
If you had fewer than sixty-three correct, it means you do not
beguile pigeons
know your spelling rules thoroughly enough. Remember that we
unique ocean suggest that the spelling rules, jingles, and hints be memorized, so
rookery inveigle you can say them while looking at the flash cards. Take heart and
quizzes movement steel yourself to begin again at Level C, Lesson 1. Surely after once
diorama more through the lessons you will achieve your goal of excellence
facilities
in spelling!
cyst reassess
efficiency suicide
eligible Rest your hand, drop your pen,
emaciated stretch your fingers.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 121

Appendix 1: Phonetic Zoo Placement Test
This program is designed for students fourth grade and up. If your SPELLING PLACEMENT TEST I
students are younger, begin with All About Spelling.
For Students in Grades 3–5: Level A
There are three levels of the Excellence in Spelling program:
§§ Level A (Elementary) spend empire human
enjoy mayor beg
§§ Level B (Intermediate)
visit wait kitchen
§§ Level C (Advanced) usual trouble clerk
Do not allow your students to see or study these tests before you complaint view through
give them, as it would interfere with the accuracy of the placement. auto prison white
awful helper degree
When you administer the test, do not repeat the words in
flight engine noticed
sentences or give definitions unless necessary.
travel loss lining
By giving your students one or more of the three spelling tests rapid election nephew
below, you can better determine at which level he or she should beautiful department nineteen
begin. These tests are just a guide. Use your best judgment for your favor (favour) obtain vacation
students’ placement. For students in Grades 3–5, give Test I. For entrance family room
students Grade 6 and higher, begin with Test II. importance fortune passenger
carried hungry quiet
repair husband guest
clock amount

Scoring: Missed 0–6: Give Test III.

Missed 7–16: Give Test II.
Missed 17–32 or more: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level A.
Missed 33 or more: Begin with All About Spelling.

122 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Appendix 1: Phonetic Zoo Placement Test

SPELLING PLACEMENT TEST II SPELLING PLACEMENT TEST III

For Students in Grades 6 and up: Level B High School and Beyond: Level C

guess entitle banana immediate intelligent February

circular political biscuits convenient mistletoe antique
argument national bruised receipt opportunity bicycle
volume recent burglar preliminary emergency calendar
organize required business disappoint persevere decision
summon refer changeable especially repeated accuracy
official minute chimney annual rinsed digestible
estimate ought choir architecture treachery mucilage
accident absence commence development familiar orchestra
invitation conference compete beneficial appreciate parliament
accept Wednesday deceive contagious sincerely precipice
impossible really discoveries artificial athletic restaurant
concern celebration electricity distillery extreme seized
associate folks error employees practical surgeon
automobile ache exceptions exquisite proceed thoroughly
various amusement victim peculiar cordially committee
decide approval financier character

Scoring: Missed 0–6: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level C. Scoring: Missed 33 or more: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level B.
Missed 7–32: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level B. Missed fewer than 32: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level C.
Missed 33 or more: Begin with The Phonetic Zoo Level A.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 123

Appendix 2: Student Spelling Test Sheet
Students may use regular lined paper for their daily spelling tests.
The image at right is one way they might set up their test sheet. Student Spelling Test Sheet
Name ____________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Score ____________

If you would like to download ready-made sheets to print out for

your students, you can find them in the downloads that come with
1.

this book. Reference the blue page at the front of this book for 2.

download instructions. 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

124 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Appendix 3: Six Syllable Types
CLOSED SYLLABLE DIPHTHONG SYLLABLE
The closed syllable contains a single vowel and ends in a A diphthong syllable contains a vowel pair that together create
consonant, and the vowel has a short sound. Examples are bat, in, a new sound as in mouth, each, and brought. There are many
and Tom. This is usually the first syllable type taught to students. Excellence in Spelling rules related to this syllable, such as the Two
Vowels Walking, oi/oy, Radio O-U-G-H, etc. Here is the entire list
OPEN SYLLABLE from Sound City: ai, au, aw, ay, ea, ee, eigh, ew, ey, ie, oa, oo, oi, oy,
ou, ow, ue, ui, ight, ough.
The open syllable contains a single vowel which is found at the
end of the syllable. These vowels have their long sound. Examples
are be, my, go, and the first syllable in si-lent, be-gin, and o-pen. CONSONANT-L-E SYLLABLE
Note that words can contain both open and closed syllables—si- The consonant-le syllable is found at the end of words, such as
(open) -lent (closed). little, struggle, and tumble. The Blended Sound-Sight program
called this The Syllable E since all syllables require a vowel. The
VOWEL-CONSONANT-E SYLLABLE silent e in this syllable serves that purpose.
The vowel-consonant-e syllable is usually found at the end of the
word. Most of us learned it as the Silent E rule. The final e is silent VOWEL-R SYLLABLE
and makes the next vowel before it long as in tame and beside. This The vowel-r syllable is also called the r-controlled syllable because
is often the second syllable type taught to students. the r controls the sound of the vowel that comes before it as in car,
northern, bird, and nurse.
If you are looking for a program to teach these syllable types along
with all the spelling rules to a younger student (beginning reader),
check out the Primary Arts of Language at IEW.com/pal.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 125

Appendix 4: 240 Commonly Misspelled Words
absence arguing changeable definition environment generally
accidentally argument changing describe equipped government
accommodate arithmetic choose description especially grammar
accumulate ascend chose desperate exaggerate grandeur
achievement athletic coming dictionary excellence grievous
acquaintance attendance commission dining exhilarate height
acquire balance committee disappearance existence heroes
acquitted battalion comparative disappoint existent hindrance
advice beginning compelled disastrous experience hoping
advise belief conceivable discipline explanation humorous
amateur believe conferred dissatisfied familiar hypocrisy
among beneficial conscience dormitory fascinate hypocrite
analysis benefited conscientious effect February immediately
analyze boundaries conscious eighth fiery incidentally
annual Britain control eligible fluorescent incredible
apartment business controversial eliminate foreign independence
apparatus calendar controversy embarrass formerly inevitable
apparent candidate criticize eminent forty intellectual
appearance category deferred encouragement fourth intelligence
arctic cemetery definitely encouraging frantically interesting

126 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Appendix 4: 240 Commonly Misspelled Words

irresistible ninety perspiration profession salary temperamental

knowledge noticeable physical professor schedule tendency
laboratory occasionally picnicking prominent seize tragedy
laid occurred possession pronunciation sense transferring
led occurrence possibility pursue separate tries
lightning omitted possible quantity separation truly
loneliness opinion practically quizzes sergeant tyranny
lose opportunity precede recede severely unanimous
losing optimistic precedence receive shining undoubtedly
maintenance paid preference receiving similar unnecessary
maneuver parallel preferred recommend sincerely until
manufacture paralysis prejudice reference sophomore usually
marriage paralyze preparation referring specifically village
mathematics particular prevalent repetition specimen villain
maybe pastime principal restaurant statue weather
mere performance principle rhyme studying weird
miniature permissible privilege rhythm succeed whether
mischievous perseverance probably ridiculous succession woman
mysterious personal procedure sacrifice surprise women
necessary personnel proceed sacrilegious technique writing

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 127

Appendix 5: The Phonetic Zoo
In his talk “Spelling and the Brain,” A Street: ai, ay, ea1, ei(gh)1, ey1 oi-oy (piggy sounds): oi, oy
Andrew Pudewa describes how Anna
E Street: ee, ea, Open E, ey1, ie (c +ei) Leftover Alley: ck, oo (as in look), ou!, ow!
Ingham created Sound City in her primary
(middle of words), ow! (end of words), ea
level classroom to help students keep track I Street: ie, ite, ight, i nn2
(short-e)
of all the “helpers” for spelling. These O Street: oa, ow, Open O, o nn2, ou
helpers are the letter combinations that are Digraph Delivery: th (whispered), th
used to spell certain sounds. U Street: oo, ui, ue, ew, ou (voiced), wh, ch, ph, sh, and perhaps cian,
R Street: ar, ir, ur, er, or/ore, wor=wer
tion, sion
The spelling lists in IEW’s Excellence in
Spelling are based on the collection of Airport or Clouds: air, are, arr, ear, eir,
Silent E (Senior Retreat):
helpers in Sound City. ere, err
§§ Magic E (vowel-consonant-e)
The list below can help you create your Sounds of Y: consonant, y at the end of a
own Sound City, or Phonetic Zoo, in your §§ Syllable E (consonant-le) 1-beat word, y at the end of a 2-beat word,
classroom. §§ Decorative E (ve, ue) short i (as in gym), long i (as in cycle)
§§ Poker E (ce, ge)
Other Sections: Jail (rule breakers),
§§ No Job E (se, ze, and others) Rhino Pen (silent letters), Foreign Words,
Babysitters: u, l, t, w (for “a,” e.g., walk, Homophones, vowels, consonants, prefixes,
water, want), au, aw, l, t, sh (for “u,” e.g., suffixes
pull, put, push)
OUGH (Radio Tower): “oo” as in through,
“o” as in although, “aw” as in brought, “off ”
as in cough, “uff ” as in rough, “ow!” as in 1S ince there are not many words in which ea,
plough. eigh, and ey say “a,” they can be placed in
jail instead of included on A Street.
2 The black boxes stand for consonants.

128 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Appendix 6: Common Homophones
accept / except be / bee bridle / bridal cereal / serial crews / cruise
ad / add beach / beech brows / browse chaste / chased cue / queue
aid / aide bear / bare build / billed cheap / cheep current / currant
ail / ale beat / beet burro / burrow chews / choose cymbal / symbol
air / err / heir beau / bow but / butt chili / chilly days / daze
aisle / isle / I’ll beer / bier buy / by / bye choir / quire dear / deer
allowed / aloud belle / bell cache / cash choral / coral dependence /
alter / altar berry / bury canvas / canvass chute / shoot dependents
ant / aunt berth / birth capital / capitol cite / site / sight dew / do / due
arc / ark billed / build caret / carrot / carat / clause / claws die / dye
ascent / assent blue / blew karat click / clique disc / disk
ate / eight boar / bore caries / carries climb / clime discreet / discrete
aught / ought board / bored cast / caste close / clothes discussed / disgust
awl / all bolder / boulder cause / caws coarse / course doe / dough
bail / bale born / borne cede / seed colonel / kernel doughs / doze
ball / bawl bow / bough / beau cell / sell cord / chord dual / duel
band / banned boy / buoy cellar / seller core / corps earn / urn
bare / bear brake / break census / senses counsel / council eight / ate
baron / barren bread / bred cent / sent / scent coward / cowered ewe / you / yew
based / baste breech / breach cents / sense creak / creek eye / I / aye

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 129

Appendix 6: Common Homophones

fair / fare grease / Greece hour / our / are lie / lye mold / mould
feat / feet / fete groan / grown idle / idol / idyll links / lynx mooed / mood
find / fined guessed / guest in / inn load / lode / lowed morn / mourn
fir / fur gym / Jim incite / insight loan / lone morning / mourning
flare / flair hail / hale its / it’s locks / lox muscle / mussel
flea / flee hair / hare jam / jamb loot / lute mussed / must
flew / flu / flue hall / haul jeans / genes maid / made naval / navel
flower / flour hart / heart key / quay mail / male nays / neighs
for / four / fore hay / hey knead / need main / mane / Maine no / know
forth / fourth heal / heel / he’ll knew / new / gnu maize / maze none / nun
foul / fowl hear / here knight / night mantel / mantle nose / knows
freeze / frieze / frees heard / herd knit / nit marry / merry / Mary not / knot / naught
gamble / gambol hew / hue / Hugh know / no marshal / martial one / won
gate / gait hi / high knows / nose meat / meet / mete or / oar / ore
gilt / guilt higher / hire lain / lane medal / meddle ours / hours
gnu / knew / new him / hymn lead / led metal / mettle overdo / overdue
gored / gourd hoard / horde leak / leek might / mite owe / oh
gorilla / guerrilla hoarse / horse leased / least mince / mints paced / paste
grate / great hole / whole lessen / lesson miner / minor pail / pale
grays / graze holey / holy / wholly levy / levee missed / mist pain / pane

130 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

 Appendix 6: Common Homophones

pair / pare / pear prophet / profit rote / wrote slay / sleigh taut / taught
passed / past quarts / quartz rye / wry soar / sore tea / tee
patience / patients quince / quints sacks / sax soared / sword team / teem
pause / paws rain / reign / rein sail / sale sole / soul tear / tare
peace / piece / peas raise / rays / raze sawed / sod some / sum tear / tier
peak / peek / pique rap / wrap scene / seen son / sun teas / tease / tees
peal / peel read / reed sea / see spade / spayed tents / tense
pearl / purl read / red sealing / ceiling staid / stayed tern / turn
pedal / peddle real / reel seam / seem stair / stare there / they’re / their
peer / pier reek / wreak seize / seas / sees stake / steak threw / through
peers / piers / pierce residence / residents serf / surf stationary / stationery throne / thrown
personal / personnel rest / wrest serge / surge steal / steel throw / throe
pi / pie review / revue sew / so straight / strait thyme / time
plain / plane right / write / rite shear / sheer suede / swayed tide / tied
plum / plumb ring / wring shoe / shoo suit / soot tighten / titan
praise / prays / preys road / rode / rowed shone / shown summary / summery time / thyme
presence / presents roe / row side / sighed sundae / Sunday to / too / two
pride / pried role / roll sighs / size sweet / suite toad / toed / towed
prince / prints root / route sight / site / cite tacks / tax toe / tow
principle / principal rose / rows sign / sine tail / tale told / tolled

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 131

Appendix 6: Common Homophones

tracked / tract we / wee

trussed / trust we’d / weed
use / ewes we’ll / wheel
vain / vein / vane we’ve / weave
vale / veil / Vail weak / week
verses / versus wear / ware / where
vial / vile weather / whether
vice / vise weld / welled
wade / weighed which / witch
wail / whale whine / wine
waist / waste whirred / word
wait / weight who’s / whose
waive / wave whoa / woe
Wales / whales wood / would
war / wore worst / wurst
ware / wear / where yoke / yolk
warn / worn you / ewe / yew
wax / whacks you’ll / yule
way / weigh / whey your / you’re / yore

132 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES

Appendix 7: A Zoo for the Phonetic Zoo Cards
If you are the crafty type, you may wish to create a zoo for your
student to sort the Phonetic Zoo Cards. The necessary pages to Lesson 4 Lesson 7 Lesson 12

create the zoo are available as a download. See the blue page in the
front of this book for download instructions. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Use six pages of the download to create cages for your zoo. The ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Zoo cards can become “doors” to the “cages.” Your student’s zoo ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

can reside in a notebook, be pasted on poster board, or be taped on

a wall for easy reference.
The zoo pages are sorted according to vowels and consonants. The Lesson 13 Lesson 28

ã á ä
rule category is listed on each page with lesson numbers printed
in each box. Thus, the rules for the letter A are all in a row, all the ____________________________
ß “O” Cages à
____________________________

E rules are on one page, and so forth, so that a student can quickly ____________________________ ____________________________
å æ
find a rule to review if desired. This is essentially how Anna ____________________________ ____________________________
Ingham organized her “Sound City.”
Once your student has his Zoo card and has located the lesson “I” Place
number, he can copy the three reminder words for his level from â
the large lesson card onto the three lines on the Zoo page. For
example, in lesson 1, level A, a student would copy brain, always, Lesson 32 Lesson 8 Lesson 34

and pain; a level B student would copy wailing, decay, and sailor;
and a level C student would copy ailment, portrayal, and tailored. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

The download includes instructions to create a Phonetic Zoo ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

spelling display board or folder. Use the suggestions to inspire your ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

unique Phonetic Zoo.

THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES 133

134 THE PHONETIC ZOO TEACHER’S NOTES