Why Educators Love ESL Word Nerds

Across classrooms and districts, teachers are seeing the difference. ESL Word Nerds resources are built on structured literacy, tailored for English learners, and designed to make language learning joyful, effective, and accessible. Whether it’s decoding or building vocabulary,—our products help students grow, and teachers feel empowered. But don’t just take our word for it—read what real educators are saying below!

"These materials are gold."
I’ve been searching for resources that align with both the Science of Reading and best practices for MLs. ESL Word Nerds hits the mark. The phonics routines, vocabulary strategies, and student-friendly layout are exactly what my classroom needed.
— Katie M., Intervention Specialist

"Finally—resources that actually support structured literacy and multilingual learners!"
These workbooks take the guesswork out of planning. Every activity is intentional, scaffolded, and designed FOR English learners. My students feel successful, and I LOVE seeing them grow!
— Chris S., High School ESL Teacher

"My students ASK to keep going!"
These lessons are clear, engaging, and full of visual supports that help even my newcomers feel confident. I love the built-in repetition and how easily they build both their phonics skills and increase their vocabulary.
— Mary M., Reading Specialist

"I love these workbooks—they’re so versatile!"
I can use them with individual students or in small groups, and they work beautifully every time. The PowerPoints are also fantastic—engaging, clear, and actually make whole-class instruction FUN! I’ve been searching for resources like these for years. They’ve truly saved me sooo much time and planning stress.
— Rebecca L., ESL Teacher

"My colleagues and I are so excited to work with the ESL Word Nerds program.  My students are so relieved to finally have some Structured Literacy materials that they can access and interact with with their limited English skills.  It has been so frustrating having to explain obscure vocabulary to our ELLs while they are trying to acquire English.  It is such a relief to find literacy materials that are accessible to our ELLs.   Thank you Word Nerds for all your hard work!"
— Leora B. ELL Teacher (supporting 2nd grade), Agnor Elementary

My students love (and frequently request) the ESL Word Nerds activities! I have used these materials with many of my elementary English Learners. This is a fantastic resource that combines the science of reading with rich visuals and activities that address all four domains of language. Discovering the ESL Word Nerds has been a game-changer!

— Matt, EL Teacher (supporting K-5) Salem, Virginia

ESL Word Nerds is flying off the shelf as a go-to curriculum for Literacy for Life’s English language learners.

— Mary Lynch (Literacy for Life - Human Services Coordinator) Williamsburg, Virginia

“Phonics lessons are so important for learning the complicated spelling patterns of English, but it can be difficult to make them engaging, especially in a multi-level classroom. The exercises in Word Nerds really grab the learners' attention—I see so many smiles in class! The lessons give the learners plenty of opportunities for creativity. That means they are having fun, and they can also show off their vocabulary and bring in things they’ve learned outside of class.”

— Ellen (ESL Staff Instructor for Literacy for Life) Williamsburg, Virginia