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Just Words®: Aligned with the Science of Reading

An Accelerated Word Study Program to Develop Proficient Readers and Spellers


This highly explicit, multisensory decoding and spelling program is for students in grades 4–12 and adults who have mild to moderate gaps in their decoding and spelling proficiency but do not require intensive intervention.

A teacher with students using magnetic letter tiles to build words

For Students with Below-Average Decoding and Spelling Skills


Just Words supports those who have not mastered the foundational skills of language structure typically learned in grades K–3 with strategies that will allow them to independently read and spell words and build the skills necessary to access and master grade-level standards. Emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, and spelling, Just Words is the word study component of the Wilson Reading System® curriculum at an accelerated pace so the instructional principles mirror each other. Combine Just Words with your literature-rich core English language arts (ELA) program.

Student focus

All students in grades 4–12 and adults who are decoding and encoding below grade level

Group Size

Reading class (up to 15 students), small group

Lesson Length

45 minutes, 3–5 times/week

Setting

General education classroom, intervention class, ELL classroom, literacy center, adult education

Instructor

General education teacher, reading specialist, or interventionist

Professional learning & support

● Wilson Academy®/Just Words Learning Community (online)

● Program Workshops

● Virtual Implementation Support

● Facilitator and Presenter Certifications

● Sustainability Plans

● Demonstration Sites with On-Site Coaching


Two just words students reading

Implemented Across the Country


Just Words instruction has been shown to improve students’ word recognition, nonsense word fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension among students in grades 4 and higher.

See what states have recognized Just Words

Just Words® Learning Community

With Just Words, you gain access to this membership-based companion site, which supports individuals teaching Wilson’s programs. Gain access to reference and instructional materials, expert tips, and more.