Conversation is a basis for critical thinking. It is the thread that ties together cognitive strategies and provides students with the practice that becomes the foundation for reading, writing, and thinking. In recent years, proficient reader research has yielded information about what good readers do as they comprehend text. This article provides tips for teachers on various formats to encourage conversation and comprehension. Some methods described are: (1) literature circles; (2) book clubs; (3) cross-age conversations; (4) whole-class discussions; (5) think/pair/share; (6) small group discussions; and (7) individual conferences.