This webinar, presented by Prof Kate Cain of Lancaster University, evaluates the effectiveness of a story-based teacher training programme aimed at improving language and early literacy skills among 4- and 5-year-old children in low-income South African settings. The intervention focuses on equipping teachers with strategies to create language-rich classroom environments through structured storytelling activities.

Findings indicate promising results and identifies key factors influencing success, including children’s initial language abilities, classroom quality, and teacher experience. The research underscores the importance of early language exposure and interactive teaching methods in fostering foundational literacy skills critical for later academic achievement.