Strive-for-Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy

by Tricia A. Zucker, Sonia Q. Cabell

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.

Perfect for: Early childhood educators, literacy coaches, and anyone seeking effective ways to strengthen oral language skills in students grades K-1.

Product Details

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Language: English
Paperback: 160 pages
ISBN13: 9781546113881

Editorial Reviews

“To become successful readers, young children need to engage in thoughtful conversations with adults. But most teachers don’t get good training in making those conversations happen. This book is exactly what they need: a clear, practical guide to providing all children with the oral language practice that lays the foundation for their later reading comprehension.” —Natalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It. 

About the Authors

Tricia A. Zucker, Ph.D., is an education researcher, former teacher, and mom of three girls who enjoys 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).

Sonia Cabell, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Reading Education in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University. Before receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia, she worked as a second-grade teacher and literacy coach in Oklahoma and Virginia. Dr. Cabell’s research focuses on early language and literacy instruction, with a particular interest in preventing reading difficulties in young children. She has authored over 70 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and literacy curricula. She is the lead editor of the Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy from Guilford Press, and co-authored Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Key Practices for Educators from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2021, Dr. Cabell, with her colleague Dr. Tricia Zucker, was awarded International Literacy Association’s Diane Lapp and James Flood Professional Collaborator Award. She has served as Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on federally funded research projects, and has been an advisor or consultant for a variety of national organizations and state departments of education.

Tricia A. Zucker, Ph.D., is an education researcher, former teacher, and mom of three girls who enjoys 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).

Sonia Cabell, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Reading Education in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University. Before receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia, she worked as a second-grade teacher and literacy coach in Oklahoma and Virginia. Dr. Cabell’s research focuses on early language and literacy instruction, with a particular interest in preventing reading difficulties in young children. She has authored over 70 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and literacy curricula. She is the lead editor of the Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy from Guilford Press, and co-authored Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Key Practices for Educators from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2021, Dr. Cabell, with her colleague Dr. Tricia Zucker, was awarded International Literacy Association’s Diane Lapp and James Flood Professional Collaborator Award. She has served as Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on federally funded research projects, and has been an advisor or consultant for a variety of national organizations and state departments of education.

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