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.

LinkedIn Article - July 2025 - Alive Studios | Supplemental Reading and Math Programs for Early Education

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit Alive Studios, LLC located in Atlanta and met with Cynthia Bertucci Kaye, their CEO and executive team and I left blown away.

As someone who’s seen a lot of education technology over many years, I can confidently say: This is different and is special. Alive Studios Zoo is like the best kept secret in early childhood education and in my opinion it’s time that changes.

Alive Studios Zoo has created an immersive, interactive learning experience that brings reading, math and science to life through the magic of storytelling, augmented reality and kid-friendly technology. Their tools are designed especially for Pre-K and early elementary students, making learning fun, visual, and unforgettable. It’s one thing for me to try to describe it but it’s another to see it live so here’s a YouTube Video you should watch that explains one of their products better: https://youtu.be/3uYm1cpufHo?si=MtLGFlzFc-ufqS2H

A Game Changing New Innovation: The Interactive Zoo Panel
One of the newest additions to the Alive Studios lineup is the Interactive Zoo Panel, and it’s a total game changer. Picture this: A large touchscreen panel that’s fully preloaded with the entire Alive Studios Zoo experience including all of their award-winning content. That means no setup, no separate devices, no apps to download. Just plug it in and watch the magic happen. Having worked for Disney for many years, I tell you that for children this is magical.

The panel includes interactive zoo animals, letter and number recognition games, music, movement, and AR experiences that respond to touch and sound. Kids can walk right up to the panel and interact with the animals, letters and stories, getting instant, engaging feedback that helps them learn while having fun. It’s intuitive for teachers, exciting for students, and ready to go right out of the box.

At the core of Alive Studios Zoo is a product called Classrooms Alive, their zoo-themed learning experience and it’s where the magic begins. Classrooms Alive is a complete early learning solution that covers reading, math, writing, science, and social emotional learning, all while using zoo animals and augmented reality to keep kids engaged. It uses a research-backed approach that helps students retain more, participate more, and get excited about learning.

With Classrooms Alive, teachers get lesson plans, student materials, and interactive software that works with Alive Studios’ physical cards, camera based AR, and the new Interactive Zoo Panel. It’s all designed to meet early learning standards while helping kids build a love of learning that lasts.

A National Crisis in Reading and Math
Across the United States, we are facing a crisis in early reading and math proficiency and having spent so much time in education and in early childhood childcare and education I know this firsthand. Several national assessments show that only about one third of students are reading at grade level by third grade and math scores have also declined across the board. These early years are critical and falling behind this early often leads to long-term academic struggles.

That’s why what Alive Studios Zoo is doing matters so much. Their platform isn’t just engaging, it’s effective. Independent studies have shown validated and significant improvements in reading and math outcomes after using the Alive Studios programs. Students using the platform, especially English language learners and struggling readers, have shown measurable academic growth in a short period of time.

Why This Matters
Let me be clear: every school district in the U.S. should be seriously considering Alive Studios Zoo. I’ve seen a lot of edtech products and some overpromise and others underdeliver but this one hits the sweet spot. It’s smart, effective, easy to use and I can see why kids absolutely love it.

The Alive Studios team has built something that produces outcomes and yet grounded in what really works in classrooms. It’s already helping all kind of students including struggling learners make faster academic gains. And now, with the new Zoo Panel, it’s easier than ever for schools to bring this experience into their classrooms. So why is this still a secret?

If you’re a school leader, a curriculum director, or just someone who cares about the future of education, do yourself a favor and check out Alive Studios Zoo. It’s one of the most powerful, joyful, and impactful learning experiences I’ve seen and it deserves to be in classrooms across the country.