Words Matter: Engaging Vocabulary Instruction That Sticks for Grades 3-8
Learn how to build word-rich classrooms through effective vocabulary practices.
Ready to make vocabulary instruction stick? During this two-day workshop, you will learn evidence-based strategies to build deep word knowledge, foster curiosity, and create meaningful opportunities for students to use and apply new vocabulary for lasting academic success.
- 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. Yet, teaching vocabulary effectively requires more than just word lists and memorization. It requires intentional, evidence-based strategies that engage students in meaningful learning. Join us to explore effective practices in vocabulary development for grades 3-8, focusing on how to deepen word knowledge, create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity for words, and create opportunities for students to actively use and apply new words.
Topics include:
- Engaging students to be aware of and interested in words and their meanings
- Strategies to develop depth of word knowledge
- Selecting and teaching words for explicit vocabulary instruction
- Strategies to support students’ independent word learning
- Assess word knowledge to inform instruction
You will earn 10 clock hours in this training.
Linda Murphy, Associate Director, Literacy Programs 
Linda has worked in school districts in New York in a variety of roles and settings. Prior to her joining the center at Lesley University, Linda held positions as a principal of an intermediate school, a Director of English Language Arts, Social Studies and Reading, a district trainer for Literacy Collaborative Intermediate, a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader and a classroom teacher. Linda holds licenses in Elementary Education and School District Administration.
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 Tuesday, May 6, 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 May 12, 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.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers.
Fostering a Healthy Book Diet
Discover how a well-rounded “book diet” can fuel literacy growth, including comprehension, foundational skills, and a love of reading! This one-day professional learning will support you in selecting the texts that match students’ needs, interests, and reading abilities, creating an engaging, effective reading experiences for all learners.
Spelling: So Much More Than Memorization
No more test on Friday, misspell on Monday! During this two-day workshop, you will learn about the multifaceted, frequently misunderstood concept of spelling and how you can teach for strong spelling skills.
Thinking Beyond the Page: Strategies for Developing Deep Comprehension
Comprehension is a complex process and the ultimate goal of reading. Join us to learn practical strategies to support your students to go from surface-level comprehension to deep, critical thinking about what they read.