Teresa Gower, a 29-year teaching veteran at Washington Elementary, calls Jolly Phonics “the spark that ignites kindergarten literacy.” With its playful songs, motions, and interactive tools, her students master letter sounds in just 60 days—and by year’s end, they’re writing sentences with confidence. “It’s more than phonics; it’s joy,” says Teresa. What’s more—her principal was so impressed, they fast-tracked upgrades to Jolly Classroom for all five kindergarten classrooms.

The Opportunity: “We Wanted Phonics to Feel Like Play”

When Teresa joined Washington Elementary’s kindergarten team, she was thrilled to discover Jolly Phonics already in place. “The kids were so engaged with the motions and stories,” she recalls. But the new digital upgrades in Jolly Classroom including interactive games and songs took that excitement to the next level. “Suddenly, phonics wasn’t just a lesson. It was their favorite part of the day.”

Why Jolly? “It’s Everything We Needed and More”

Teresa’s team raved about Jolly’s multi-sensory approach, and she quickly saw why:

• Built for kindergarteners: The content is fast-paced but spirals, meaning students practice until they reach mastery.
• Teacher-friendly: “The online platform and team support made it effortless for me to start,” she says.
• Joyful differentiation: Special education learners thrived with motions, while advanced students tackled CVC words on dry-erase boards.
• Word building: "The segmenting section is their favorite. They listen to a word like ‘cat,’ chop the sounds, then write it on dry-erase boards. I hear ‘Mrs. Gower, watch me!’ all day long."

Implementation: Laughter, Lightbulbs, and Literacy

Teresa’s class does daily sound reviews. Kids chant “Ss” while slithering like snakes, then beg to “trick” Teresa by quizzing her (she turns her back to guess letters from their sounds). When it comes to the interactive games in Jolly Classroom, Teresa notes, “They cheer when it’s time to write words on their boards—it’s their favorite activity!”

In small groups, Jolly Phonics delivers powerful wins for every learner. Students who need extra support gain confidence by using the program's fun motions to recall letter sounds, while more advanced learners challenge themselves by writing complete sentences independently. The program's structured approach also provides seamless flexibility—substitute teachers and classroom aides can easily step in and continue lessons thanks to Jolly's clear, consistent routines that keep learning on track no matter who's leading. This combination of differentiated support and ready-to-use materials helps all students progress at their own pace while maintaining classroom momentum.

Real Results, In Her Words

The results in Teresa's classroom speak for themselves: her students aren't just learning phonics, they're fully owning their literacy skills. By springtime, kindergarteners are composing complete sentences, far exceeding typical expectations for their age. The pride extends beyond the classroom walls as children excitedly point out letter sounds on hallway displays, often proclaiming "That's MY letter!" with beaming smiles.

Teresa recalls one particularly moving moment when a previously reluctant writer confidently handed her a complete sentence, bringing tears to her eyes. "Jolly gave them the courage to try," she reflects. While Teresa notes she'd appreciate more handwriting practice sheets and blend activities in the program, she wholeheartedly insists: "No program compares. It's research-based, but it feels like play—that's the magic."

Her advice to fellow educators is simple yet powerful: "Dive in. The kids will amaze you." For teachers looking to energize their classrooms with both laughter and literacy, Jolly Phonics offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and joyful learning that gets remarkable results.

Why Teresa Says Jolly is "Non-Negotiable"

1. For Teachers: "My team trained me in one day. The routine is foolproof—just press play and watch the engagement happen."
2. For Admins: "When we asked our principal for the upgrade, they said ‘yes’ immediately. Good programs speak for themselves."
3. For Skeptics: "I’ve seen every phonics trend in 29 years. Jolly is the only one where kids beg, ‘Can we do more?’"

> "Jolly isn’t just teaching letters—it’s growing readers. These kids will enter first grade writing, not struggling. That’s priceless."