Anderson Manuel is an elementary educator for Sudbury Public Schools in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The 27-year education veteran came up teaching K-5 in the Boston school system. Driven by the timeless quote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” this dynamic teacher is committed to unlocking the full potential in every student, equipping children with the foundational literacy skills for lifelong success.
We asked Anderson to share his experiences using our Just Words® word study program to help struggling students learn to read and spell words independently, building the skills necessary to access and master grade-level standards. Here’s what he had to say.
In my opinion, Just Words sets itself apart from other Tier 2 intervention programs through its sophisticated study of word structure. Unlike programs that focus solely on phonics rules, Just Words delves into the complexities of English orthography, providing students with a deep understanding of how words are formed and spelled. This comprehensive approach allows Just Words to address the root causes of decoding and spelling difficulties, making it particularly effective for students who need additional support.
Since implementing Just Words, I’ve seen significant improvements in my students’ decoding and spelling skills. They’re becoming more confident, independent readers, and many who previously struggled are now fully participating in class and expressing themselves more effectively. Their overall academic performance has also improved. With increased confidence in reading and writing, they’re more engaged and better able to access the curriculum.
Most notably, their attitudes toward reading and writing have changed. They’re more enthusiastic and developing a love of learning. I’m very pleased with their progress and believe Just Words is a valuable tool for building the foundational skills essential for literacy success.
I’ll never forget the day Sarah, one of my struggling readers, finally cracked the code. She’d been struggling with decoding and spelling since kindergarten, and it was affecting her self-esteem. After a few months of using Just Words, I noticed a remarkable improvement in her reading and writing. She was reading more fluently and accurately, and her spelling also was improving.
One day, Sarah approached me after class, beaming with excitement. “I can’t believe I can actually read this book!” she exclaimed. It was a heartwarming moment to witness her newfound confidence and enthusiasm. This was a turning point for Sarah, and she went on to become a successful reader and writer.
Parents often report seeing significant improvements in their children’s reading and writing skills after using Just Words. Many parents express gratitude for the program’s ability to address the root causes of decoding and spelling difficulties. They appreciate that Just Words provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching these essential skills.
Here are some specific examples of feedback I’ve heard from parents:
“My child was struggling with reading and writing, and I was worried about their future. After using Just Words, their confidence and skills have improved dramatically.”
“I love that Just Words focuses on the underlying principles of language structure. It’s helped my child understand how words are formed and spelled, which has made reading and writing much easier.”
“I’m so grateful for Just Words. It has been a game changer for my child’s literacy development.”
Overall, parents seem to be very satisfied with the results they’ve seen from their children using Just Words. They appreciate the program’s effectiveness, structure, and support for both students and teachers.
As a teacher, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my students’ engagement since implementing Just Words. The program’s structured and engaging approach has sparked their interest and motivated them to learn. Its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of decoding and spelling difficulties has led to remarkable improvements in my students’ literacy skills. They are reading and writing with more confidence and fluency.
Just Words also has been a lifesaver for me! The resources and curriculum have provided clear guidance and reduced my planning time, allowing me to focus more on supporting my students’ individual needs. Additionally, Just Words provides valuable data and analytics that help me monitor student progress and adjust my instruction accordingly.
Just Words has been a game changer for my teaching practice! It has helped me recognize the importance of focusing on foundational skills like phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency. The program’s structured approach and data-driven insights have enabled me to differentiate instruction more effectively, providing targeted support to students who need it.
I love how Just Words encourages collaborative learning. My students are working together, helping each other, and celebrating each other’s successes. The program’s emphasis on positive reinforcement has created a more motivating and enjoyable learning environment for all my students. It’s been a wonderful experience!
They should start by familiarizing themselves with the program’s structure and components. It’s a good idea to begin with the core features and gradually introduce additional elements as their students become comfortable. I also recommend that they:
By following these tips, educators can help their students develop strong literacy skills.