Get to the Root: Using 5 Why’s to Drive Reading Instruction

When a student struggles to read a word, it’s easy to jump to conclusions or offer surface-level solutions.

But what if we paused and asked why—not just once, but five times?

In this episode of Building a Reader, we explore the 5 Why’s strategy, a simple yet powerful tool borrowed from problem-solving frameworks, and show how it can be used by teachers to uncover the root causes behind students' reading behaviors.

Whether a student can’t decode a word, remember a sight word, or apply a strategy you've taught, the 5 Why’s can guide you from confusion to clarity—and from frustration to action.

Tune in to learn how asking better questions leads to better instruction.