Description
The 2×10 strategy is simple: spend 2 minutes per day for 10 days talking with about anything she or he wants to talk about. The strategy builds a rapport and relationship between teacher and student, and lets the student see that the teacher genuinely cares about him or her as a person. This practice turns that abstract, where-do-I-start concept of relationship building into something easily manageable. For teachers who feel overwhelmed by their students’ needs, this is a great way to start.
“2 x 10” aims to reduce feelings of isolation among students, establish stronger connections to adults at their school, and to the school community. Having these stronger connections will lead to happier, more resilient students who are more likely to succeed personally and academically.
How it can become part of everyday school life
2 x 10 is low cost and not resource intensive; the only requirement is intentional conversation with students on a regular basis. It is easy-to-do and is a positive activity.
Curriculum Links
- Builds relationship between students and adults, and builds on personal values & choices a part of the core competency of positive personal and cultural identity
Communication and Personal & Social
Related Resources
- 2 x 10 Strategy: a Miraculous Solution for Behaviour Issues
- The biggest obstacles in the 2 x 10 Strategy
- Two Minutes to Better Student Behaviour
Research Connections
Wlodkowski found an 85-percent improvement in a student’s behavior after teachers talked with specific students for two minutes each day, 10 days in a row, about anything the student is interested in. In addition, he found that the behavior of all the other students in the class improved.