Dialogic Reading: A Research-Backed Way to Grow Young Readers
Science-Aligned Read Alouds for Big Gains in Language, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
This evidence-based practice is joy-filled and grows children’s oral language, vocabularies, and comprehension.
- Classroom Teachers PreK-1
- Interventionists/Specialists
- Literacy Coaches/Teacher Leaders
Dialogic Reading is an evidence-based, joyful approach that builds young children’s vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension skills. Using repeated read-alouds and intentional scaffolding, teachers invite children into rich, meaningful small-group conversations about high-quality picture books—helping every learner become an active participant in the storytelling experience.
In this interactive workshop, Cindy will guide you through the what, why, and how of Dialogic Reading. You’ll explore effective prompts, learn how to structure conversations that deepen understanding, and discover practical routines that make implementation easy. You’ll leave with actionable strategies, fresh book recommendations, tools for planning, and the confidence to bring Dialogic Reading into your classroom the very next day.
Cynthia Downend, Director, Literacy Programs
Cynthia Downend has worked at the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for over 15 years, serving in the roles of primary level literacy trainer and currently as the Director for Primary Literacy Programs.
Cynthia has worked with many school districts across the United States to train and develop district level literacy staff developers, literacy coaches, classroom teachers, literacy interventionists and school administrators on a variety of topics related to improving literacy instruction.
Prior to her work at Lesley University, Cynthia held positions as a literacy coach, Reading Recovery teacher, and classroom teacher for over 20 years working in a variety of school settings including urban, suburban, and international schools.
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, February 4, 2026 and you will be charged a $50 processing fee. Email centerliteracyteaching@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 portal closes at 5pm ET on February 10, 2026.
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 clock hours.
On-Site Professional Development
We can deliver this training to your school/district. This option can be delivered virtually or in-person for a group within your school/district. For detailed costs, complete our online form to request this training for your school/district and we will contact you.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers
Reaching All Learners Speaker Series 2026
The Reaching All Learners Speaker Series brings you cutting-edge ideas and strategies to make learning engaging, inclusive, and meaningful for every student. These sessions will inspire fresh approaches to teaching and help you create classrooms where all children can thrive as literate, confident learners.
The New Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 (System 1, Levels A-P)
This two-day workshop will help you learn how to use the new BAS 2.0 system to pinpoint student strengths and needs as readers, including oral reading behaviors, fluency, comprehension, writing about reading, and phonological awareness and early phonics skills.
The New Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 (System 2, Levels K-Z)
In this two-day workshop learn how to use BAS 2.0 to pinpoint students’ reading behaviors and instructional needs with word-solving, fluency, and comprehension.