IEW Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level A
The short version first:
Audio-based spelling. Teaches spelling through listening and repetition instead of memorization.
Independent and low-prep. Kids work with headphones, freeing up parent time.
Mastery-focused. Students don’t move on until they’ve truly learned the list.
Memorable spelling rules. Simple “jingles” help patterns stick long-term.
Great for auditory and dyslexic learners. Especially helpful for kids who struggle with worksheets.
Predictable and confidence-building. The structure removes pressure and guesswork.
Spelling can be one of the most frustrating parts of homeschooling. Some kids ace the test and forget everything a week later. Others struggle daily and start to believe they’re “just bad at spelling.”
IEW Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level A takes a refreshingly different approach. Instead of focusing on how words look on the page, it teaches spelling through sound - helping kids internalize patterns in a deeper, more lasting way.
What Makes Phonetic Zoo Different
Phonetic Zoo is built on the idea that spelling is an auditory skill. Students learn by hearing words spoken clearly, analyzing sounds, and applying spelling rules consistently.
The program centers around three key elements:
Spelling Rules (“Jingles”)
Short, catchy rules that explain spelling patterns and are easy to remember.Daily Audio Lessons
Students listen with headphones, hear each word used in a sentence, pause the audio, and write it down. This keeps the process calm, focused, and multi-sensory.Mastery-Based Progression
Students repeat the same list daily until they achieve 100% accuracy twice. No rushing, no moving on half-learned material.
This structure removes the pressure of weekly tests and replaces it with steady confidence.
What Level A Covers
Level A is typically used for grades 3–5, but it also works very well for older struggling spellers or students with dyslexia or language-processing challenges.
The program includes audio lessons (CDs or MP3s), spelling rule cards, student worksheets, and clear teacher notes. There are multiple list tracks (A, B, and C) so students can continue progressing at their own pace.
Concepts covered include common spelling rules, vowel patterns, multi-syllable words, homophones, plurals and possessives, and prefixes and suffixes. Even though it’s the introductory level, it’s thorough and strategic.
What a Daily Lesson Looks Like
Phonetic Zoo’s biggest strength is its simplicity.
Students begin by reviewing the spelling rule for the list. Then they listen to the audio lesson, which clearly presents each word in a sentence. After writing each word, students self-correct as the audio reads the correct spellings.
If there are mistakes, they repeat the same list the next day. Most lessons take just 10–15 minutes, and students stay with a list until mastery is achieved.
This predictable routine helps spelling feel achievable instead of stressful.
Why This Approach Works
By focusing on sound and mastery, Phonetic Zoo avoids the “cram and forget” cycle. Students don’t move on until patterns truly stick, which leads to long-term retention.
It’s especially powerful for kids who struggle with visual memorization, get anxious about spelling tests, or shut down with worksheet-heavy programs.
Parents often love how independent it is - once the routine is established, students can run the lesson themselves.
Who Phonetic Zoo Level A Is Best For
This program is a great fit for:
Auditory learners
Dyslexic or neurodivergent students
Kids who struggle with traditional spelling lists
Families needing low-prep, independent work
Students who need mastery before moving on
It also pairs nicely with other IEW programs, like Structure & Style, for a cohesive language arts approach.
FAQs from This Blog Post
Q: How long does each lesson take?
A: About 10–15 minutes per day.
Q: Are there traditional spelling tests?
A: No. Mastery is built into the daily audio lessons instead of weekly tests.
Q: Is this program good for dyslexic learners?
A: Yes. The auditory, rule-based approach is often a strong fit for dyslexic and neurodivergent students.
Q: How much parent involvement is required?
A: Very little. Parents introduce the spelling rule and help with setup; students work independently using the audio.
Q: What age is Phonetic Zoo Level A designed for?
A: Typically grades 3–5, though older struggling spellers can also begin with Level A.
