Two by Ten
Read full article https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-two-minute-relationship-builder
The Two-Minute Relationship Builder
ASCD Education Update July 2014 Volume 56 Number 7
Sarah McKibben. Read full article
What if instead of going head-to-head with your most challenging student, you created an ally in him? During the 2013 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership, presenter Grace Dearborn shared a strategy for making that happen: the “Two-by-Ten.”
Dearborn explained that by spending two minutes a day for 10 consecutive days getting to know a disruptive student, teachers can begin establishing an initial connection. Historically referred to as the “two-minute intervention” by researcher Raymond Wlodkowski, the Two-by-Ten strategy is a way to not only break the ice but also form the foundation for a sustainable relationship—and better classroom behavior.
“It’s a motivator, it’s a management strategy, and it’s a formally researched way [to turn a student from a negative to a positive influence],” says Rick Smith, founder of Conscious Teaching, who often presents the method with Dearborn. Smith says Two-by-Ten gives a disruptive student what he is seeking in the first place: a positive connection with an adult.
“Safety is a fundamental human need and if kids don’t feel it, they’re going to ask for it,” he says. “Oddly, the way they sometimes ask for it is to act out.” Although it may seem like they are trying to sabotage your classroom, a student is more likely communicating the message “Would you connect with me, so I can let down my guard?”
Social discipline window
| 5 Step Circle | |
| 1.Present the issue The issue presenter describes the case and the concerns for 3 – 5 minutes without interruption. Questions may be asked only for clarification. *Practice suggestion for small group – have a person act as keeper and another person act as timer. | |
| 2.Listen and record The issue presenter now listens to the suggestions given and writes down every one without comment or critique or commitment. *Practice suggestion – make statements not questions. For example, “change the assignment.” NOT “Did you change the assignment?” | |
| 3.Pick One Without comment on any of the other suggestions, the issue presenter takes 1 minute to select 1 or 2 suggestions that the issue presenter will try by a specific date. | |
| 3 B. Stars and Wishes (optional) The issue presenter reads off the preferred option and does a quick sequential check in from each person present on the stars (pros or what you like about the suggestion) and wishes(cons or what you wish was part of the suggestion). Alternatively, run through all suggestions with the stars and wishes for each suggestion before the issue presenter decides on the preferred option. Participants can indicate a star or wish or a “pass.” | |
| 4.Check Back Again One of the group members is asked to check back again with the issue presenter by a specific date. “How did it go with what you said you were going to do?” | |
| 5. Last lost ideas Take 1 minute to ask if there is a last suggestion to add. | |
| Stan Baker ©Restorative Resolutions 2021 stan@restorative.ca www.restorative.ca |
