Vocabulary Instruction to Build Knowledge and Deepen Comprehension (Grades 3–8)
Learn how vocabulary instruction can spark curiosity, deepen comprehension, and grow knowledge.
Gain practical strategies to teach vocabulary in grades 3-8 that go beyond definitions and support students in using words with purpose, deepening comprehension, and expanding their background knowledge.
- Classroom Teachers 3-8
- Interventionists/Specialists
- Literacy Coaches/Teacher Leaders
- Literacy Collaborative Affiliation Discount available
Strong vocabulary skills are essential for reading, writing, and academic success. Meaningful vocabulary instruction invites students to explore words in context, make connections, and develop word knowledge they can apply across subjects. This one-day workshop introduces new ways to think about vocabulary: how you select, teach, and provide opportunities for students to use words in meaningful ways. You will leave with practical, classroom-ready routines that promote curiosity, build language knowledge, and support ongoing word learning.
Topics include:
- Fostering students’ awareness and interest in learning about words and their meanings
- Developing students’ understanding of how words work, including their meanings, word parts, and use in different contexts.
- Selecting and teaching words for explicit vocabulary instruction
- Strategies to support students’ independent word learning
You will earn 5 clock hours in this training.
Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer
Nikki worked as a literacy coach and teacher in public school for many years before joining the Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative as an Intermediate Trainer. She has experience as a primary and intermediate classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach at the intermediate level. Over the years, she has worked with students, educators, and administrators to improve literacy outcomes.
Cancellation Deadline & Refund Policies
You have until one week before the first day of this offering to cancel your registration. The cancellation deadline is Wednesday, October 29, 2025 and you will be charged a $50 processing fee. Email CRRLC@lesley.edu if you have a cancellation or substitution request. Regardless of weather conditions, if the event is held but you cannot attend, you will be billed for the full amount.
Registration Deadline
The registration deadline is 5pm on November 4, 2025.
Requirements for Participation
After the training, you will receive a certificate of attendance for your participation. To receive a complete certificate, participation during the specified times is required. Additional work may be assigned to meet the professional development hours.
In-Person at Lesley University or Virtual Attendance
You may choose to attend this training in-person at Lesley University or virtually in real time. Should any of the conditions change and it is determined the training will be offered virtually only, you will be notified as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact us before reserving travel and lodging.
If you choose to attend in-person, the training room will have Lesley University’s HyFlex Classroom Technology to support an engaging learning environment for in-person and virtual participants. If you have questions about in-person or virtual attendance, please email us at CRRLC@lesley.edu.
In-person participants are required to follow the Lesley safety protocols.
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