On September 26, 2011 Gigi passed on after living a long and full life of creativity and a love of children. Gigi was the originator of the “essence” of Zoo-phonics®. In fact, everything that is foundational to Zoo-phonics® came from Gigi: lowercase letters taught before capital letters, letter sounds before letter names, animals drawn in the shapes of the lowercase letters, a body movement for each letter – this is from our Gigi. So earthshaking were the essences of this program in its beginnings that, back when we were “homemade,” children – even children with special needs – were learning how to read, spell and write! Toddlers and preschoolers master the alphabet years earlier than is expected.
Twenty-seven years later, Zoo-phonics® is used all over the United States, in homes, private schools and public schools, and in many countries worldwide. It has been translated into three other languages besides English (Spanish, Danish, Arabic). Zoo-phonics® is used in South Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong and China, Japan, Australia, Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Africa, etc.
We are so proud to say that Gigi has directly influenced the education and lives of children all over the world. It is our hope that this fund will provide Zoo-phonics® materials for children around the world and scholarships for children at its sister company, the Safari Learning® Academy in Sonora, CA. This school is open to all children, regardless of economic status, race, creed, or special needs. This is in keeping with the love that Gigi had for all children.
