How can we implement the Science of Reading AND make it joyful for our Pre-K students?

Implementation shouldn't mean 'pushing down' 1st-grade desk work. Instead, it should include multi-sensory encoding. By using innovative experiences like 3D Augmented Reality, children can interact with phonemes and letters in their physical space. This anchors the research-based 'Science' in a 'Joyful' environment that is developmentally appropriate for 3- to 5-year-olds.

Is Augmented Reality (AR) considered a 'Research-Based' tool for early literacy?

Yes. When AR is used to facilitate multi-sensory learning, it aligns with the Science of Reading’s emphasis on dual-coding (visual and auditory processing). Patented systems like Alive Studios’ have shown in independent case studies that this 'active' engagement can move the needle on foundational skills in as little as 30 days, providing a high ROI for district leaders.

How does Alive Studios support Special Education and ELL students?

For students with IEPs or those learning English as a second language, traditional oral drills can be a barrier. 3D AR provides a 'Cognitive Reset,' offering a visual anchor for sounds. This makes it an ideal supplemental tool for Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, helping struggling learners in Pre-K through 2nd grade catch up by making abstract concepts tangible.

Is Alive Studios eligible for Title I or Head Start funding?

Absolutely. Because our programs are evidence-based supplemental solutions that align with state literacy acts and the Science of Reading, they are a defensible and 'Audit-Proof' use of Title I, ESSER, and Head Start funds. Our classroom solutions are designed for easy implementation, helping directors spend their budgets effectively.

Can this technology help with teacher burnout and retention?

Yes. One of the biggest drivers of burnout is the pressure to deliver results with limited engagement. Our Interactive Zoo Panels and other resources are not only engaging for students, they are also engaging and easy-to-use for teachers, making teaching much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Letters alive | Early Literacy Program - Alive Studios | Supplemental Reading and Math Programs for Early Education

See Letters alive Highlights

interactivezoo panel points

Where Literacy Comes Alive!

Children don’t just learn about letters—they interact with them.

Teaching young children to read is about so much more than letters and sounds. It’s about capturing their curiosity, building their confidence, encouraging language and communication, and creating learning experiences they can’t wait to be part of.

That’s why we created Letters alive®, a supplemental literacy curriculum.

Grounded in the Science of Reading, Letters alive helps teachers deliver explicit, systematic literacy instruction through unforgettable zoo-themed learning adventures. Our interactive zoo animals engage children’s minds, hands, voices, and imaginations as they build phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through active participation and meaningful conversations.

Letters alive is a whole-child, multisensory approach that keeps young learners (3-6) engaged while giving you meaningful opportunities to support language development, communication, and a lifelong love of reading.

How our 3D Zoo Animals Build Literacy Skills:

Rooted in Brain Science. Powered by Playful Tech.

Build a Magical Connection
Our augmented reality zoo animals become classroom companions, sparking motivation and emotional engagement, especially for emerging and reluctant readers.
Create Engaging & Playful Learning
Multisensory, interactive experiences combine visual, auditory, and kinesthetic input to capture attention, deepen retention, and build confidence making learning unforgettable.
Make Learning Meaningful
Children connect abstract letters and sounds to engaging animal characters, creating strong phonemic foundations and emotional connections that endure beyond the classroom in a joyful, memorable way.
Empower Teachers as Guides
Educators lead student-centered learning through structured, explicit instruction aligned to the Science of Reading creating space for expressive language and purposeful practice.
Unlock Foundational Skills
Letters alive builds phonological awareness, sound-symbol mapping, and vocabulary while integrating rich content to strengthen oral language, background knowledge, and comprehension.

Zoo Keeper Lesson Plans

These ready-to-go PDF lessons turn your classroom into a learning adventure!

• Zoo Keeper ABC Boot Camp (created with The Kindergarten Smorgasboard)
• Animal-a-Week Lessons and hands-on Literacy Centers

Spark engagement and provide teachers with explicit, systematic instruction that builds strong foundations for reading success.

ABC Boot Camp Sample Animal a Week Sample

Click to see how Letters alive supports the Science of Reading

With only a few minutes a day, Letters alive positively changed the dynamic of my classroom.”

Stephanie D. | Northside ISD

Can Letters alive help my Spanish Speaking Students?

Absolutely! Our FREE English-Spanish Vocabulary Support Cards help you build vocabulary, encourage participation, and create meaningful conversations so every child can feel confident and included during your Letters alive lessons.

It’s FREE to download with every Letters alive purchase.

• 26 English-Spanish vocabulary cards featuring real-life zoo animals
• Conversation starters to encourage listening, speaking, and participation
• Animal facts to spark curiosity and extend learning
• Perfect for whole-group instruction and small groups

Help every child join the conversation.

See a Sample Contact your Rep for Details

Watch Kindergarten Teacher, Adam Peterson,
give a detailed walk-thru of Letters alive.

Is Augmented Reality effective in early education?
YES! It’s proven!

See the Research
Four Independent Studies
Pre-K and Kindergarten

Has Letters alive been proven in classrooms?
YES! See our Evidence-Based Case Studies!

Results in 26 Days

Kindergarten (majority ELL)
Pre and Post Assessments

“The team that conducts FastBridge assessments said that of all the classes they tested, my kids tested significantly above average. They also added how impressed they were with not only their skills but their conversations as well.”

Mr. Greg Smedley-Warren
Kindergarten Teacher

see pre-k and kinder case studies

What’s in the Kit?

Letters alive Zoo Keeper 8.0 software on flash
drive – One user license for single computer
Zoo Keeper Lesson Plans
26 Alphabet cards
97 PreK and Kindergarten sight word cards
84 Word Family cards (blends, digraphs, rimes)
25.5″x 22″ Zoo Map Poster
22″ x 25.5″ Alphabet Poster
26 Alphabet Letter Posters
Ipevo USB Doc Cam and extension stand
Tracking mat for cards
Card sorting box
Training videos
ESGI Progress Monitoring (60-Day trial)