The Power of Words: Vocabulary Development
Vocabulary is learnt from birth. But why do so many children struggle to express themselves? Why is it so important to have a good vocabulary? And if a child does not have a good vocabulary, what are the implications for learning, and what can we do to help?

How it works
This talk explores the meaning of vocabulary, how children develop a word bank, and the practical implications for reading and spelling. The presenters will share evidence-based support strategies to support struggling learners.
HPCSA Awards 3 CEU’s
This talk will be available 30 days from registration.
About the Presenters:
Natalie Herb is a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist with over ten years of experience working within a school environment.
She started her professional career at Hope School and joined Bellavista School in 2010. She was appointed as Head of the Speech Therapy Department at Bellavista School from 2014 and at the beginning of 2019 was promoted to Director of Therapy.
Natalie is passionate about child development and learning. She believes in employing evidenced based practice to develop language, reading, and cognition to support independent learning. She thrives in a multidisciplinary approach. Natalie is a life-long learner, constantly upskilling and growing as a leader, educator and therapist.
Jodi Sheer is a Speech-Language Therapist at Bellavista School. Jodi has worked as a Speech-Language Therapist for 15 years and has worked with preschool and school age children from mainstream and remedial environments. Jodi has worked at Bellavista school from 2002 until 2007 and recently began working again full time this year.
Jodi has a passion for teaching children that have reading difficulties as well as social and pragmatic difficulties. She believes in the amazing potential of each child and finding their unique ways of learning. She believes strongly in collaboration and sharing of knowledge with parents and other professionals.