From Read-Aloud to Read-Together: Using Dialogic Reading to Grow Young Children’s Language, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
Repeated Readings Achieve Big Gains in Language, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
This evidence-based, joy-filled practice strengthens children’s oral language, vocabulary, and comprehension through repeated read-alouds and storytelling. Children become active participants—responding to questions, engaging in meaningful conversation, and helping to retell the story.
- Classroom Teachers PreK-1
- Interventionists/Specialists
- Literacy Coaches/Teacher Leaders
- Early Bird Pricing: $99 until 6/5/26
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 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.
Required Materials
Bring 2 – 3 picture books that you love to read to your students.
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, June 30, 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 July 6, 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.
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 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 centerliteracyteaching@lesley.edu.
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
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