Literacy Gains through Increased Vocabulary Knowledge 2026

All Primary and Secondary Teachers and Learning Support Staff

All forms of knowledge are filtered through language so success at school is largely dependent on knowledge of words. This activity-based course takes participants through Marzano’s 6 step process for building vocabulary in core subject areas, illustrating each step with strategies and activities. It will be particularly helpful for educators working with students who have language-based difficulties but will also be helpful for classroom teachers in any subject area who want to increase understanding of instructions and content.

– Non-linguistic definitions: drawings, images, graphic organisers, dramatisation

– Activities that add to knowledge of words in student vocabulary notebooks

– Integrating technology to enhance engagement

Participants are encouraged to have at hand a unit of work and an electronic device on which they can look at websites and take part in vocabulary activities.

Shirley Houston is an independent educational consultant with 40 years of teaching experience. She has a Masters degree in Special Education and has taught students in years K-12 at government, Catholic and Independent schools, in Australia and in America. She has lectured at several universities in Western Australia and at the Central Institute of Technology. Shirley has an enduring passion for work with children and adults who have specific learning difficulties and is a long-standing Board member of The Dyslexia- SPELD Foundation of Western Australia. She runs teacher-training, advises companies on educational product development and tutors students with diverse needs.

Loved the honesty in the sharing of information and strategies

The best P.D. I have attended in living memory!” I loved every minute of this engaging, interesting and informative PD. And I have been teaching for 40+ years!

Just a big Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the Critical Agenda Workshop yesterday.  David presented a great program, lots of handy strategies and he was very engaging and supportive. Highly recommended.  I was very happy we did not have to do any Role play’s.

Passionate &  Authentic Speakers – Meaningful Strategies

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Inspirational Speakers –  the knowledge gained will be so beneficial in my classrooms

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