Strive for Five: Talking Your Way to Language Comprehension Greatness

Dear K-3 Champions,

Let’s talk. No, really—let’s talk about talking. Because if you haven’t yet dived into Strive for Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell, prepare for a conversation about conversations that will change the way you approach literacy.

Yes, we’re going meta. And yes, it’s as powerful as it sounds.

This brilliant book breaks down how intentional, back-and-forth conversations with your students can skyrocket their language comprehension, vocabulary, and ultimately, their reading success. It’s like the “science of reading” on a double-shot espresso (or whatever keeps you running these days). Ready to embrace the chatter revolution? Let’s dive in with a mix of practical tips, humor, and the enthusiasm of someone who just found a pack of unbroken crayons in the supply closet.

What is “Strive for Five”?

Simply put, it’s the idea that five conversational turns—a back-and-forth exchange between you and a student—can transform how they understand and use language. Think of it like verbal ping-pong:

   •   You say something.

   •   They respond.

   •   You respond to their response.

   •   They respond to your response to their response.

   •   You respond one last time (whew!).

Before you know it, you’ve hit five turns, and their brain has had a mini workout in vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension. The best part? You can do this anywhere: during morning meeting, read-alouds, or even while breaking up an argument over whose turn it is to hold the classroom mascot.

Why Does This Work?

The science of reading tells us that language is the foundation of literacy. Kids who have rich, meaningful conversations develop stronger vocabularies, better comprehension, and—drumroll please—stronger reading skills. Plus, when you engage in these conversations, you’re modeling how language works, which is a game-changer for your littlest learners.

Let’s break it down with some humor, because let’s face it, teaching K-3 without humor is like teaching without coffee—impossible.

How to Strive for Five (Without Losing Your Mind)

1. Start with Open-Ended Questions

Imagine asking, “What’s your favorite color?” and getting the classic one-word reply: “Blue.” Conversation over. Instead, ask, “If you could paint the entire classroom any color, what would it be and why?” Now, you’re off to the races (or possibly debating the merits of glitter paint).

2. Embrace the Awkward

Some kids are natural chatterboxes, while others treat talking like a chore. Stick with it. Their first response might be a shrug, but your persistence can turn even the most reluctant talker into a budding conversationalist. Bonus: It’s excellent training for parent-teacher conferences.

3. Use Read-Alouds as a Springboard

Books are a goldmine for Strive for Five moments. After a read-aloud, instead of asking, “Did you like the book?” (to which the answer is inevitably, “Yes”), try, “Why do you think the character made that choice?” or “What would you have done differently?” Be prepared for answers ranging from profound to hilariously off-topic.

4. Follow Their Lead

If a student says, “I love dinosaurs,” don’t pivot to, “That’s nice, now back to math.” Instead, dive in: “What’s your favorite dinosaur? Why do you think it’s the coolest? Do you think it could fit in our classroom?” Suddenly, you’ve hit five turns—and probably learned more about velociraptors than you ever wanted to know.

5. Celebrate Their Growth

Every time you engage in these intentional conversations, you’re building language comprehension muscles. You might not see the results immediately, but trust the process. It’s like planting a seed: one day, their vocabulary blooms, and you’re crying happy tears because they used “astonished” instead of “surprised” in a sentence.

The Funny Side of Talking with Kids

Let’s not forget that kids are unintentionally hilarious conversationalists. One minute you’re having a profound discussion about kindness, and the next, they’re telling you about the time their dog ate a sock. Roll with it. These moments build trust and connection—and who doesn’t want to be the teacher they tell their weird stories to?

Why You’re Already Amazing at This

Here’s the thing: K-3 teachers are already masters of talking to kids. You know how to balance encouragement, patience, and the occasional “teacher look” when things go sideways. Strive for Five is just the science behind what you do naturally—and a reminder that those daily chats aren’t just adorable, they’re transformative.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

So, grab a copy of Strive for Five, try it out in your classroom, and watch the magic unfold. Because when it comes to building readers, thinkers, and little humans who love learning, you’ve already got what it takes—your voice, your time, and your commitment to helping them grow.

Keep talking, keep laughing, and keep inspiring. After all, in the words of one particularly wise first grader: “Talking makes our brains do cartwheels!”

With admiration and endless chatter,

Betsy