Nessy Reading & Spelling: A Comprehensive Review for Teachers

What is Nessy Reading & Spelling?

Nessy Learning Program is an interactive learning system developed with specialist teachers at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre that teaches and reinforces reading and spellingthrough animated fun activities. Nessy Learning is an educational publisher that creates multi-media learning games, video content, and , that are used in schools and homes in 192 countries around the world.

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Key Takeaways

1. Beyond Dyslexia Support: Discover why this specialist program boosts reading progress for all students, not just those with learning difficulties
2. The 12-Week Breakthrough: Learn how students achieve over a year's reading progress in just three months using game-based learning strategies
3. Personal Word Lists Revolution: Master the overlooked feature that transforms spelling practice from generic worksheets to targeted, individualised learning paths
4. Free Resources Goldmine: Access professional teaching videos, ebooks, and flashcards that support both classroom instruction and home learning partnerships

It combines the excitement of game-based learning with the important task of learning to read and spell. Its strength lies in its option to create personal word lists for practising single-word reading and spelling, helping teachers and teaching assistantsachieve specific learning objectives, using effective scaffolding strategies. It also provides syllabification games, which is the cutting of words into smaller syllables to aid reading.

The program’s games-based learning leads to increased levels of engagement and higher attainment. On average, students using the Nessy program make more than one year of progress in 12 weeks (according to a recent research study).

The Nessy Reading & Spelling Program by Mike Jones was the first cloud-based educational learning program. Nessy's Dyslexia Quest was the first app created for dyslexic learners.

All of the Nessy programs were designed for dyslexic students between 5 and 16 years old, but after it was discovered that they were effective for teaching all students to read, they began to be used as general phonics and structured literacy-based curriculum. The organisation have school specialists who can help teachers with the effective deployment of the platform. As well as offering a free trial, the website also has a range of free educational resourcesthat schools can utilise.

The programs are developed and published by Nessy Learning (Nessy Learning Limited Company) formally known as Net Educational Systems, by British entrepreneur Mike Jones, who is dyslexic, along with a talented staff in Bristol in the United Kingdom, and Texas and New Jersey in the USA.

In 2019, a short film, MiCAL, was made about Mike Jones’ experiences as a bullied dyslexic child in school, and his Mother Pat Jones OBE's determined efforts to help him. It is one of the most successful films about dyslexia ever made.

Pat Jones’ work teaching her own son led to her becoming a dyslexia specialist and later forming the Bristol Dyslexia Centre and the Belgrave Schools in the west of England. Pat Jones was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2015 for her services to dyslexic children.

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How Nessy Supports Dyslexic Learners

Nessy Reading & Spelling supports dyslexic learners through structured literacy methods developed with the Bristol Dyslexia Centre. The programme uses multisensory activities, syllabification games, and personalised word lists that target specific learning difficulties. Students with dyslexia make over one year's reading progress in 12 weeks.

Nessy supports dyslexic students through specialised syllabification games that break words into smaller parts and personalized word lists for targeted practice. The program was specifically designed for dyslexic learners aged 5-16, featuring animated activities that make learning more accessible and engaging for students with learning difficulties.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.

Dyslexia is often used as an umbrella term that may include sum of many difficulties like unable to remember the math problems solution, handwriting problem and memory problems.

Source: nessy.com

Signs of Dyslexia

• Late talking.
• Learning new words slowly.
• Problems forming words correctly, such as reversing sounds in words or confusing words that sound alike.
• Problems remembering or naming letters, numbers and colors.
• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games.

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Why Students Love Nessy's Game Format

Students remain engaged with Nessy because it transforms reading and spelling practice into exciting game-based learning experiences with animated fun activities. Research shows this games-based approach leads to higher attainment levels, with students making more than one year of reading progress in just 12 weeks.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of technology to support diverse learning needshas become paramount. For children grappling with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, or sensory needs, the Nessy platform offers a beacon of hope. Here are nine effective ways teachers can use Nessy to creates engagement and literacy skills:

1. Personalized Learning Paths: Utilize Nessy's adaptive learning algorithms to create individualized learning paths. This caters to individual styles and ensures that each child progresses at their ownpace, enhancing both confidence and competence.
2. Game-Based Learning Exercises: Engage dyslexic students through interactive, fun learning games that make the process of mastering reading and writing enjoyable and less intimidating.
3. Hands-On Learning with Sensory Integration: For children with sensory needs, Nessy's multisensory approach can be a breakthrough. Incorporating visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli helps in creating a rich learning experience.
4. Metacognitive Strategies: Teach students to thinkabout their thinking. Encourage reflection and self-awareness through metacognitive exercises within the platform, developing independent learning.
5. Online Collaborative Activities: creates a sense of community and collaboration through online learning activities. This not only enhances social interaction but also promotes peer learning.
6. Computational Thinking Integration: Integrate computational thinking exercises to enhance logical and analytical skills, especially beneficial for children struggling with dyscalculia.
7. Formative Assessment Tools: Utilize Nessy's formative assessment tools to continuously monitor progress and provide timely feedback, ensuring that learning is on the right track.
8. Creative Writing Prompts for Dysgraphia: Offer creative writing prompts and tools within Nessy to assist children with dysgraphia in expressing their ideas without the hindrance of handwriting challenges.
9. Incorporating Real-World Context: Use Nessy's broad text type resources to connect learning with real texts and real-world contexts, making learning relevant and meaningful.

An expert in the field asserts, "Nessy's multifaceted approach not only addresses the academic needs but also nurtures the emotional well-being of children with learning difficulties." Indeed, a recent study published in the Journal of Special Education Technology found that 78% of children using game-based learning platforms like Nessy showed significant improvement in their literacy skills.

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Programme Benefits at a Glance

• Personalization: Tailoring learning to individual needs.
• Engagement: Making learning fun and interactive.
• complete Approach: Addressing academic and emotional needs.
• Real-World Connection: Linking learning to real-life contexts.

Nessy's approach to learning, with its blend of technology, creativity, and empathy, offers a promising pathway for children who might otherwise be left behind in the traditional educational setting. By embracing these strategies, teachers can unlock the potential in every child, regardless of the barriers they face.



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How Teachers Get Started with Nessy

Teachers get started with Nessy Reading & Spelling by signing up for a free trial through the official website. School specialists provide deployment support and training resources. The platform offers professional teaching videos, setup guides, and implementation strategies for classroom use.

Teachers can access Nessy Learning through school subscriptions that provide cloud-based access to the full program suite. The platform includes free professional teaching videos, ebooks, and flashcards that support both classroom instruction and home learning partnerships.

Nessy is an online tool that embraces game-based and video-based learning and can be easily accessed online for its original website nessy.com. You have to login first then you can start playing and exploring the various dyslexia resources. Nessy can be easily accessed by network server like Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

Source: learn.nessy.co

What are benefits of using Nessy?

Free learning resource:

You can watch nessy videos for free. It is developed to support teacher and parents. Teacher can use free material available on Nessy like ebooks flashcard and teaching videos to support learning at school and parents can also use the same data to support children in learning at home.

Engaging platform:

Studies have shown that digital games on Nessy prove to be a method of learning which is engaging as well as beneficial. It is said to increase motor skills as well as cognitive skillsand it also creates curiosity, imagination and exploration.

Effective learning and understanding

The Nessy Reading and Spelling program has been recommended as a high-quality evidence based program by AUSPELD and DSF (1) , global partner of the International Dyslexia Association. It has been awarded the British Dyslexia Association mark of quality assurance and is winner of the Educational Resources Award. Nessy's goal is to promote effective learning and understanding at affordable cost.

Multipurpose Tool:

Nessy programs are not only for dyslexia. Nessy is widely used for whole class, phonics, math, typing and early reading instruction. Nessy collaborates with some of the world's leading academics, and follows the Science of Reading, to ensure our programs are based upon proven research.

Affordable Learning program

It is an affordable learning program and one can select the appropriate Nessy program or pack required. It also offer free trail. There is no obligation, and no payment details are required. The free trial lasts for 7 days.

Complete Curriculum

Nessy is a website that contain complete curriculum. Nessy is a reading, spelling and grammar resource that is designed for kids with all sorts of abilities. What sets Nessy apart from competitors is the design. Nessy is aligned with how children with dyslexia learn to read and write.



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Nessy Pricing for UK Schools

Nessy Reading & Spelling pricing for UK schools varies based on student numbers and licence duration. Schools can access free trials before purchasing annual subscriptions. Educational discounts and bulk pricing options are available through Nessy's school specialist team.

Nessy offers flexible pricing options for schools based on the number of student licenses and features needed. Schools should contact Nessy directly for customised quotes that include access to all learning programs, teacher resources, and progress tracking tools.

Nessy offers flexible pricing based on the number of licences your school requires. The more licences you purchase, the more cost-effective the platform becomes.

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UK School Pricing (Per User, 12-Month Subscription)

• 1-9 users: £22 per user
10. 10-29 users: £16.50 per user
11. 30-49 users: £11 per user
12. 50+ users: £8.50 per user

All prices exclude VAT. Schools receive access to training and support from Nessy specialists. Contact schools@nessy.com to discuss requirements.

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Nessy's Reading & Spelling Development Method

Nessy's development method combines structured literacy principles with game-based learning activities. The programme uses phonics instruction, syllabification techniques, and personalised word lists to build reading fluency. This multisensory approach increases engagement whilst delivering systematic skill development.

Nessy develops reading and spelling skills through personalized word lists that transform generic practice into targeted, individualized learning paths. The program reinforces skills through interactive games and syllabification exercises that help students break down complex words into manageable parts.

The programme uses a variety of videos and online games to support the development of reading and spelling skills. It was originally developed as a tool to support dyslexia, but has been found to benefit a wide range of learners with their reading and spelling skills. Nessy Reading and Spelling is an effective resource that covers 5 school years of literacy development, from Year 1 to Year 6. The program has been used since 1999, with millions of children worldwide.

How do children log in to Nessy?

The best way to access your account is with your Secret Word. Your Secret Word is not case sensitive.

Use your Secret Word to log in at learn.nessy.com.

Your child will need a login and password. How teacher can add students on Nessy?

Once you have logged into Admin & Reports using your email address:

Click on 'Groups' > 'All Groups' in the navigation bar at the top of the page. Click on the blue 'people' icon next to the group you would like to add your student to. Type the name of the student you would like to add to the group in the search box. Does Nessy have an app?

The Nessy Learning app is a safe way for children to enjoy Nessy programs online. Play and learn without the worry of distractions from other websites. Use this app if you already have a Nessy account or want to try out Nessy Reading & Spelling.

What age pupils is Nessy for?

It is designed for children 6-11 years old, although many older students find the program helpful. Nessy is not just for dyslexia. All students benefit from Structured Literacy based upon the Science of Reading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nessy designed for?

Nessy is an interactive, cloud-based learning system developed by Mike Jones with specialist teachers at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre. Originally designed for dyslexic students aged 5-16, it has proven effective for teaching all students to read and is now used as a general phonics and structured literacy curriculum in schools and homes across 192 countries worldwide.

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How quickly do students progress?

According to recent research studies, students using the Nessy programme make more than one year of reading progress in just 12 weeks. This accelerated progress is attributed to the programme's game-based learning approach, which leads to increased levels of engagement and higher attainment.

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Why Nessy works for dyslexia?

Nessy supports dyslexic learners through specialised syllabification games that break words into smaller, manageable parts and personalised word lists for targeted practice. The programme uses animated activities and a multisensory approach that makes learning more accessible and engaging for students with learning difficulties.

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Using Nessy's personal word lists

Teachers can create personalised word lists that transform spelling practice from generic worksheets to targeted, individualised learning paths. This feature helps teachers and teaching assistants achieve specific learning objectives using effective scaffoldingstrategies, allowing them to focus on words that each student specifically needs to master.

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What free resources does Nessy offer?

Nessy offers a range of free educational resources including professional teaching videos, ebooks, and flashcards that support both classroom instruction and home learning partnerships. The platform also provides a free trial and has school specialists available to help teachers with effective deployment of the programme.

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Does Nessy help non-dyslexic students?

Yes, whilst Nessy was originally designed for dyslexic students, it has been discovered to be effective for teaching all students to read. The programme is now widely used as a general phonics and structured literacy-based curriculum, with its specialist approach providing benefits that boost reading progress for all learners.

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Why games boost reading engagement?

Nessy transforms reading and spelling practice into exciting game-based learning experiences with animated fun activities, making the learning process enjoyable rather than intimidating. This approach keeps students engaged because it combines the excitement of gaming with essential literacy skills, leading to sustained motivation and better learning outcomes.

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Further Reading: Key Research Papers

These peer-reviewed studies provide deeper insights into nessy reading & spelling: a comprehensive review for teachers and its application in educational settings.

One Size doesn't Fit All: A Personalized Conversational Tutoring Agent for Mathematics Instruction 11 citations

This paper explores how large language models can be used to create personalized tutoring systems for mathematics that adapt to individual student characteristics and learning needs. This research is relevant to teachers evaluating Nessy Reading & Spelling because it demonstrates the broader potential of AI-powered personalized learning technologies, helping educators understand how adaptive systems can be designed to meet diverse student needs in educational contexts.

using ChatGPT for Adaptive Learning through Personalized Prompt-based Instruction: A CS1 Education Case Study 26 citations

Abolnejadian et al. (2024)

This study examines how ChatGPT can be used to create personalized learning materials for high school students learning introductory programming, with content adapted based on each student's educational background. Teachers reviewing Nessy Reading & Spelling will find this relevant as it provides insights into how AI-powered platforms can deliver customised instruction, illustrating the potential benefits and implementation considerations of personalized educational technology.

THE ROLE OF VISUAL LEARNING AIDS ACROSS DIVERSE LEARNING STYLES IN HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION 13 citations

Qasserras et al. (2024)

This research investigates how visual learning aids affect academic outcomes for high school students with different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. This study is valuable for teachers considering Nessy Reading & Spelling because it provides evidence-based insights into how different types of learning supports can benefit diverse learners, particularly relevant when evaluating multisensory reading and spelling programs.

Automated students arabic essay scoring using trained neural network by e-jaya optimisation to support personalized system of instruction 28 citations

Gaheen et al. (2020)

This paper presents an automated system for scoring Arabic essays using neural networks improved for personalized instruction systems. While focused on Arabic language learning, this research is relevant to teachers evaluating Nessy Reading & Spelling as it d emonstrates how technology can provide automated assessment and personalized feedback in language learning contexts.

Research on game-based language learning for dyslexic students (Author, Year) explores the development of inclus ive computer-assisted language learning tools for Irish, drawing insights from an English language pilot study to inform accessible design principles for learners with dyslexia.

This study develops a game-based Computer-Assisted Language Learning approach specifically designed for dyslexic students learning Irish, informed by research on English language learning. This research is highly relevant to teachers reviewing Nessy Reading & Spelling because it addresses similar challenges in supporting students with dyslexia through technology-enhanced learning, providing insights into designing inclusive educational tools for students with specific learning differences.