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
Help students build the vocabulary that opens the door to stronger literacy, deeper learning, and greater academic success. Effective 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 words by exploring their meanings, their structure, and their use in different contexts.
- Selecting high value words for explicit vocabulary instruction
- Building students’ capacity to learn new words independently
You will earn 5 clock hours in this training.
Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer
Nikki Drury worked as a literacy coach and classroom teacher in public schools for many years before joining the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership as an Intermediate/Middle level Trainer. She has experience as a primary and intermediate classroom teacher and as a literacy instructional coach. 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, October 20, 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 deadline is 5pm on October 26, 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 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 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. .
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.
Thinking Beyond the Page: Developing Deep Comprehension
Comprehension is the heart of reading—and it goes far beyond understanding the words on the page. Join us to learn practical ways to help students move from surface-level understanding to deeper analysis, meaningful reflection, and critical thinking about what they read.
Playful Pathways to Print: Learning About Language, Letters, Sounds and Words
Explore how to turn young children’s love for playing with the sounds of language into meaningful literacy learning during this one-day workshop.
Linking Assessment to Teaching: Reading, Writing & Word Study
In this 8-week online course, you’ll learn how to gather and analyze evidence from students’ reading, writing, word study, and oral language to make responsive instructional decisions. Discover practical approaches to identifying students’ strengths and needs, then use those insights to design effective literacy instruction that supports every learner.