Building vocabulary in KS1 and KS2

Why attend Building Vocabulary in KS1-KS2?

By building pupil’s vocabulary, we build their ability to communicate and to understand the world. The Building Vocabulary at Home and School report has identified that “a child’s vocabulary knowledge can have a big impact on their reading development, later educational success, and the way they experience emotions”. (OUP, 2025)

This one-day workshop takes an interactive deep dive into the evidence base linking word knowledge to reading comprehension. Join us to develop your knowledge of how words work – including practical strategies for direct instruction - and learn creative ways to unlock pupils' appetite for language, including poetry and wordplay.

Who should attend

We invite all teachers and SLTs in KS1 and KS2 to attend this training.

Course Logistics & Pricing 

○ Format: Online via Zoom

○ Dates and timings: Wednesday 4 March, 9:30am - 2:30pm

○ Cost and booking information

• £140 per booking
• £25 discount for National Literacy Trust premium members (discount code required: please contact ruth.king@literacytrust.org.uk)

What will the training cover?

• Why words matter, and why they are difficult:
• Words are personal
• Expressive and receptive vocabulary
• The research around vocabulary
• Vocabulary within the curriculum
• Components of word knowledge
• Exploring units of meaning and word roots
• The three-tier vocabulary model
• Direct and indirect vocabulary instruction
• Close reading
• Practical strategies

What you will gain from attending 

Attendees will learn the research underpinning the link between vocabulary and reading comprehension and the importance of closing the word gap. They will also consider what it means to “know a word” and learn strategies to build a language-rich classroom.

What you will receive 

Attendees will gain a whole-school membership of the National Literacy Trust, with access to course handouts and trainer presentation to support an implementation of the learning.

Preparing for the session 

Attendees must have:

• A laptop/computer with a working camera and microphone, plus a working internet connection, so that you can join the training
• Access to resources on our digital learning platform (you will be granted access prior to the training)

Why choose this course?

• Evidence informed
• Expert trainer who will tailor the training to the needs of your school
• Provides the tools to make sustainable improvement in classroom practice without the need to purchase expensive schemes

Here’s what teachers have to say about this CPD:

Research and Evidence-Based Approach: 

• Aligned with the EEF’s Teaching and Learning Toolkit
• Tracks important role of vocabulary in the Reading Framework
• Aligned with Building Children’s Vocabulary at Home and School (OUP, 2025)

“Broadening pupils’ vocabulary is a ‘medium’ to ‘high’ strategic priority in 90% of schools, and it is a high priority in two thirds of Primary schools” (OUP, 2025)

Course trainer

Nicola Izibili has worked in south London primary schools for 25 years as a class teacher, English Lead, Advance Skills Teacher and Deputy Headteacher.  During this time she focused on developing her craft as a teacher, which was complemented by studying for Masters qualifications in Applied Linguistics and Practitioner Research with a focus on children’s identities as writers. She currently supports writing communities through The Writing Web, where operating as a writer-teacher and engaging with related research deepens her understanding of how to deliver a rigorous and authentic Writing for Pleasure writing pedagogy.

She writes and delivers National Literacy Trust training and tutors PGCE student teachers.  Nicola keeps her hand in classroom teaching and creates bespoke professional development opportunities to enhance schools’ current provision for teaching English and the wider curriculum.

Why the National Literacy Trust?

The National Literacy Trust work with schools across the UK to transform literacy outcomes for every child. Based in the latest research and evidence, our CPD and conferences explore innovative best practice to help you evaluate, plan and take action to improve literacy outcomes in your setting.

Related resources

• Encouraging book talk
• Talk for Reading: A reading and oracy staff workshop
• Developing a whole-school approach to teaching vocabulary in primary school

How can I book?

Please book using the form below. If you have any questions, or are having trouble booking, please get in touch:

• Email: ruth.king@literacytrust.og.uk
• Phone: 07542 228233