Strive-for-Five Conversations

Teachers know that encouraging children to talk and listen improves their ability to communicate. But until now, they haven't had a way to accelerate the development of children's language skills that's aligned with the science of reading. This book gives time-strapped teachers a power tool: the "Strive-for-Five" conversation framework. These responsive conversations start with what children say and continue as the teacher listens and responds-with a goal of five conversation turns to stretch their talking and thinking in an accessible format that contains audio and video clips, along with classroom anecdotes and model conversations, Zucker and Cabell show why Strive-for-Five conversations are important and how teachers can use them to engage children and develop their language comprehension. As teachers use the framework to build students’ knowledge, vocabulary, reasoning, and other skills that underpin reading success, they'll also see students’ confidence grow as they share their individual stories, ideas, and questions.

Tricia A. Zucker, Ph.D., is an education researcher, former teacher, and mom of three girls who enjoy extended conversations. She is a Professor of Pediatrics and Co-Director of the Children’s Learning Institute at University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston with the mission of increasing access to high-quality education opportunities and understanding of how early education opportunities determine later school and health outcomes. Dr. Zucker’s research interests include early identification and prevention of reading disabilities, evidence-based curriculum and instruction, and aligned family- and school-based interventions. Her research focuses on children who are at-risk for learning disabilities. She has authored over 60 scholarly publications and routinely serves as a thought partner with teachers, schools, and organizations that want to improve learning outcomes for children. She has been recognized for her work with various awards from organizations such as the International Literacy Association as well as the highest honor the U.S. government bestows on early researchers, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).