Vocabulary is developed in young students through oral language, as well as reading and viewing texts, before being expressed in talk and writing. Introducing students to new vocabulary, especially technical vocabulary in cross-curriculum subjects, involves planning and a systematic approach, ensuring we reinforce unfamiliar language as we go. This ensures more chance of the student using the language with control.

Below, we've rounded 6 of the best resources for supporting explicit vocabulary instruction from the PETAA Member Resources Portal. Not currently a member? Become one today for thoughtful and practical support with teaching vocabulary!

1: Building meaning through vocabulary

Article | Member only

• This extract, from PETAA award-winning text A Literature Companion for Teachers, dives into the tiered model for teaching vocabulary

• It provides evidence-based strategies for effectively teaching vocabulary in the classroom.

>> Want to read more? Buy the book!

2: Developing vocabulary across different subject areas in Years 1-3

Leading with Literacy Conference presentation | Member only

• Penny Hutton (University of Sydney) explores how literacy develops in speaking, listening, writing, spelling and grammar in the first formal years of schooling.

• Examines ways teachers can develop vocabulary and communication in Mathematics, HASS, Creative Arts, science and technology.

>> Learn from the best at PETAA's Leading with Literacy Conferences. Register now to join us this year in-person or online!

3: Explicit teaching of vocabulary: Years 3-6

Leading with Literacy Conference presentation | Member only

• Literacy consultant Annette Gray demonstrates how to adapt activities which will engage students in developing and using richer and more extensive vocabulary for speaking and writing. 

• Breaks down the value of explicit vocabulary instruction to help all educators see the bigger picture and make learning meaningful. 

>> Enjoyed this presentation? Sign up for Annette Gray's online teacher PL!

4: Building vocabulary F-6

Online Teacher PL Course | Discounts for members

• This course examines research and evidence-based practice, and integrates context-based strategies into new curriculum and syllabus contexts.

• Offers best practices for building vocabulary at grade and stage appropriate levels, and guides you in using knowledge of student achievement to develop a strategic approach to the teaching of vocabulary. 

>> Register your place today - you'll have access to all course materials for 365 days!

5: Teaching reading knowledge, skills, and dispositions

PETAA Paper | Member only

• In this brilliant breakdown of reading models and how they build knowledge, skills, and dispositions by Jennifer Asha (Australian Catholic University), vocabulary is placed squarely in context within the bigger picture of literacy development.

• It takes a deep dive into vocabulary knowledge: what it is, how it can be structured, and how it grows alongside the other key elements of literacy learning. 

>> Not a member? Order a print copy of the paper for just $10!

6: Self-guided PL: Vocabulary

Resource Pathway | Open access, features member-only resources

• This series of vocabulary and oral language staff meeting professional learning sessions guides school leaders in the use of mentor texts to teach vocabulary with a focus on building Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary.

• Each of the 5 staff meetings has a different focus, and includes the specific PETAA resources (e.g. a conference video presentation, or PETAA Paper) and activities, questions and reflections you'll work through as a team.

>> See all self-guided PL guides!