This session offers concrete, low‑prep activities to teach health‑related vocabulary and reading skills using the same strategies instructors already use for other life‑skills topics.
About This Session
Description
This session equips instructors with practical, low‑prep strategies to integrate health vocabulary, reading, and conversation into existing life‑skills instruction. Participants explore how to select relevant health topics such as appointments, medication labels, and forms that align with learner goals.
Through a brief think‑aloud demonstration and interactive activities, including word sorts, role‑play dialogues, and worksheet creation using authentic health texts, attendees practice building comprehension and communication skills.
The session culminates in participants designing a mini health literacy activity tailored to their classroom.
What we'll cover:
Participants will be able to:
- Select health topics that match learner goals (appointments, medicine labels, forms).
- Use at least three simple activities to build health vocabulary and comprehension.
- Adapt an existing lesson to include a health‑focused reading or conversation component.
Planned Activities include:
- Word sort
- Dialogues,
- Build-a-worksheet
- Share-out
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
Pending
Audience
Level
Case study?
Promotion?
A note from the presenter:
No other info available at this time.
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Presenter
Dr. Heather McKnight
CEO
Heather McKnight Consulting, LLC
Dr. Heather McKnight, DNP, RN, NE-BC is a nurse leader, educator, and health literacy advocate with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare practice and higher education. Her work focuses on improving health outcomes by making health information clear, usable, and accessible for patients, families, and communities.
With a background spanning acute care, nursing education, stroke and Magnet® program development, and systems-level innovation, Dr. McKnight brings a practical, experience-driven approach to health literacy and organizational improvement. She is committed to advancing plain language, equitable communication, and sustainable change within healthcare and educational systems.
Breakout26 – McKNIGHT
Page checked or updated: 6/10/2026
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