Night Zookeeper: an exciting writing program to encourage even the most reluctant youngwriter
Updated on July 9, 2023
About your guide: Monet Slinowsky is a tutor, former teacher, Product Manager at Learnosity and Co-host of an award Winning Health Podcast. She authored, How adaptive testing can fill post-pandemic learning gaps. She’s an expert in how adaptive testing and the innovative ways learning organisations are helping students bounce back from learning loss. Slinowsky is a dedicated computer engineer with a strong emphasis on product design and a keen interest in combining customer discovery with AI to tackle significant challenges. Her diverse experiences include expertise in AI, Natural Language Processing, healthcare design, ethnography, user-centered design, and mentoring,
Fact checked and expanded by Manisha Snoyer, founder of Modulo.
A web-based program with engaging audio and visual effects, we recommend The Night Zookeeper as a supplementary language-arts resource to teach children about creative writing through games, story-telling, and feedback from professional tutors. The Night Zoo Keeper teaches creative writing to kids 6-12 years old through a magical, interactive world based on storybooks. Children complete challenges that teach vocabulary and grammar and use the concepts they learn to write and draw stories that advance their adventure, with two new lessons published each week.
Night ZooKeeper is a collection of storybooks, an animated TV show, and a collectable card game; a co-created brand driven by children's own imaginations. The Night ZooKeeper uses word games, grammar-based challenges, and prompts and story-creation lessons to inspire kids to write, and to improve their writing. Feedback on writing is provided by tutors and children earn points when they edit their work. The Night ZooKeeper is a good choice for all young writers, through the reluctant, uninspired writer might get the largest benefit from it. It is engaging, motivating, and inspiring, really encouraging children to use their imaginations while still fostering a solid grammar and vocabulary base.
The Night Zoo Keeper is not a comprehensive language arts resource and reinforces topics rather than teaching them (children will need at least a brief introduction before succeeding with this resource). Children will need reading comprehension and additional spelling/grammar support. Use the dashboard to keep an eye on your child's writing and the tutor's comments, encouraging your child to edit their work. Also, keep an eye on the weekly lessons; some are inspired by special days such as World Penguin day and your kids might want to dive more into these topics!
Grades: ages 6-12
Cost: The subscription varies from $9-$13 per month with a 7-day free trial to see if your child loves it before committing!
Key features of Night Zookeeper
Story-Based Learning: Night Zookeeper is structured around a fantastical story universe, engaging kids by allowing them to create and evolve their own characters and narratives.Interactive Platform: It provides a vibrant, interactive online environment that boosts engagement and makes learning enjoyable.
Writing Missions: The platform offers varied writing missions to foster creativity and improve literacy skills in children.
Personalized Feedback: Each child's writing is reviewed by the Night Zookeeper team, providing personalized feedback that encourages improvement.
Reading Challenges: To further enhance reading comprehension, the platform offers various reading challenges.
Safe Online Community: Night Zookeeper creates a secure online space where children can share their stories and interact with fellow young writers globally.
Educational Games: The integration of games makes learning grammar, punctuation, and spelling more enjoyable for children.
Teacher Resources: For educators, Night Zookeeper provides a suite of tools like lesson plans, writing prompts, and progress tracking to help guide instruction and monitor student progress.
Pros and Cons of Night Zookeeper, according to parents
Pros of Night Zookeeper
Encourages creativity: Parents appreciated how Night Zookeeper sparks children's creativity and enables them to engage in free writing, create characters, and develop their own stories or poems.
Engaging for some children: Many parents shared that their children found the platform enjoyable and would ask to use it regularly. The gamified elements seem to be effective for keeping some children engaged.
Helpful in overcoming writing reluctance: A number of parents commented that the platform had helped their children overcome their fear or reluctance around writing.
Aids in typing skills development: Some parents noted that their children had learned to type or improved their typing skills using the program.
Facilitates peer interaction: Some parents appreciated the community aspect of the platform, which allows children to read other kids' work and provide or receive feedback.
Cons of Night Zookeeper
Lack of typing skills: Several parents mentioned that their children's lack of typing skills limited their ability to effectively use the platform. Without basic typing skills, some children quickly became frustrated or lost interest.
Confusing functionalities: Some parents reported that their children found the functionalities and wording of the platform confusing or hard to understand, which reduced their enjoyment and use.
Limited interest over time: There were cases where children initially showed interest in the platform, but their interest waned over time or they easily got bored.
Quality of drawing tool: Parents shared that their children were upset with the quality of the drawings they could create using the tools provided, which led to frustration.
Ability to bypass the educational content: A few parents mentioned that their children figured out how to avoid the educational aspects of the platform, turning it more into a game than a learning tool.
Is Night Zookeeper a good fit for your child?
Based on feedback from families, here’s what we think are the ideal and not so ideal types of kids to use Night Zookeeper.
Night Zookeeper might be a good fit for:
Children who enjoy creative writing and storytelling: The program allows children to create characters and narratives, which can be engaging and fun for those who enjoy these activities.
Children who are motivated by a gamified learning environment: Night Zookeeper has gamified aspects that motivate some children to engage more in writing activities.
Children who benefit from social interaction in learning: The platform provides a safe online community for children to read others' work and receive constructive feedback on their own.
Children who can type proficiently: Typing is a major component of the program, so children who can already type might find it more enjoyable and beneficial.
Children who are comfortable with a digital platform: The platform requires navigation, digital drawing, and online interaction.
Night Zookeeper might not be a good fit for
Children who struggle with typing: If a child is not yet proficient at typing, they might find the program frustrating or difficult to use.
Children who are not already inclined towards creative writing or storytelling: If a child doesn't enjoy writing or storytelling, they may not fully engage with the program.
Children who prefer physical over digital activities: Some children might find the online aspect of Night Zookeeper less appealing than more tangible, hands-on activities.
Children who have less patience for learning new platforms: The platform has various functionalities which might require some time to understand and navigate. Kids who prefer straightforward, easy-to-use systems might get frustrated.
Children who are not motivated by the game aspect: If the gamification does not appeal to a child, they might not be as engaged or motivated to use the program.
Dysgraphia and Night Zookeeper
Night Zookeeper is an online platform designed to inspire creativity and boost writing skills in children. It has an array of features that may prove beneficial for children with dysgraphia, a neurological condition that can make writing by hand challenging.
Here's why Night Zookeeper could be a good fit:
Keyboard-based Writing: Writing digitally on Night Zookeeper can be easier and less frustrating for children with dysgraphia who may struggle with handwriting.
Interactive and Engaging Content: The platform's engaging, story-based curriculum can motivate kids to write and express their creativity, which can be beneficial regardless of their handwriting skills.
Personalized Feedback: Night Zookeeper's feedback system may help children with dysgraphia improve their writing skills at their own pace and according to their individual needs.
Creative Outlet: It provides a platform for children to express their creativity and ideas without the constraints of penmanship, which can be a major hurdle for children with dysgraphia.
Skill Building: The platform can help improve language skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, all of which can be beneficial for children with dysgraphia.
However, each child's experience with dysgraphia is unique, and what works well for one child may not work as well for another. It would be beneficial to try the platform and see if it suits the child's individual needs and preferences.
Nuts and Bolts of Night Zookeeper
Cost: Typically, educational platforms like Night Zookeeper have a subscription-based model. You may need to check the website for the current pricing.
Grades: Generally, Night Zookeeper is suitable for students aged 6-12, or grades 1-7.
Type of Tool: It's an educational tool designed to improve literacy, reading comprehension, and creative writing skills.
Compatible devices: Typically, such platforms are designed to be compatible with all devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Time required: The website recommends at least 30 minutes a week. Two new lessons are published each week, which will probably take 30-60 min to complete in total. There are endless games and challenges and writing activities to keep kids engaged for hours each week if the kids are having fun.
Literacy Requirement: Basic reading skills are likely required to fully engage with the platform.
Screens: Usually, these platforms are designed for digital screens and require an internet connection.
Online or offline: Generally, it's an online platform.
Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Some involvement is typically beneficial, especially for younger users.
Flexibility: Usually high, with learners able to engage with activities at their own pace and in their own time.
Progress tracking (assessment or dashboard): Most platforms like Night Zookeeper provide progress tracking and dashboard features.
State Standards: Night Zookeeper strive to align their content with relevant state or national educational standards.
Teacher Accounts: Often, teacher accounts are available that offer additional resources and tracking capabilities.
Online community: Night Zookeeper does have an online community where students can safely share their stories and engage with their peers.
Languages available: As of my last update, the platform was primarily available in English.
Faq’s about Night Zookeeper
How much does the Night Zookeeper cost?
Night Zookeeper offers several subscription plans. The monthly plan costs $12.99/month. The three-month plan is available at an upfront payment of $33.99, effectively $11.33/month. The annual plan is priced at an upfront payment of $118.99, effectively $9.92/month. All plans come with a free 7-day trial.
What age group is Night Zookeeper for?
Night Zookeeper is designed to engage and educate children aged between 6 and 12 years. The content, lessons, and challenges are adjusted to the age of the child for a tailored learning experience.
What are alternatives to Night Zookeeper?
There are several alternatives to Night Zookeeper for teaching writing to children. These include Brave Writer, The Writing Revolution, Evan-Moor, Winning With Writing, and NaNoWriMo. For more detailed comparison and guidance, you can refer to our blog post titled "The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Writing in 2023" at this link.
What reading level is Night Zookeeper?
Night Zookeeper is suitable for children in grade levels 1 to 6, which corresponds to ages 6 to 12. The type of lessons, challenges, games, and level of vocabulary they encounter can be adjusted according to the child's age.
Is Night Zookeeper a full curriculum?
Night Zookeeper is not a full curriculum. It is a supplementary tool that helps children develop their writing, reading, and creative thinking skills. It can be used alongside your regular curriculum at school or for homeschooling.
How do you use Night ZooKeeper for homeschooling?
Night Zookeeper can be a valuable tool for homeschooling, providing engaging and interactive content that boosts your child's creative writing skills. It offers an array of lessons, challenges, and games that can be adjusted to your child's age and level.
Does Night Zookeeper teach spelling?
Night Zookeeper's main focus is on enhancing creative writing, reading, and creativity. While it doesn't specifically teach spelling, some spelling practice is integrated within the writing activities.
Does Night Zookeeper teach phonics?
The information provided does not indicate that Night Zookeeper includes explicit phonics instruction. The primary focus of the program is to enhance children's creative writing, reading, and creative thinking skills.
How do I cancel my Night Zookeeper subscription?
If you wish to cancel your Night Zookeeper subscription, you need to contact the Night Zookeeper's customer service or follow the cancellation procedure provided on their official website.
Does Night Zookeeper have an app?
No, Night Zookeeper does not have a dedicated mobile app. The platform is primarily accessed through a web browser on their official website.
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