Words Their Way

       This week I am beginning word study with my students using the Words Their Way word lists.  Last week I gave the sneak peek (this is what I call pre-tests, it is from my years in first grade), then of course I graded everyone's papers and completed the profile on my kiddos.  I was able to group my kids into four manageable groups.  I am actually very excited to see if this helps my students move beyond being just "Friday spellers." 
        Does anyone else use Words Their Way?  I would love to hear about your experiences!  I have done spelling investigations with my students for the past five years so I am already used to my students having differentiated words that are more appropriate to their level but I am curious if there is anything that I should know before I get started.  So if you, or anyone you know has stories (the good, the bad, and the ugly) I would love for you to share them.  If anyone else is trying this out for the first time perhaps we could go through our "growing pains" together.