Decreasing Disruptive Classroom Behaviors Through A Relationship-Building Strategy

The 2 × 10 strategy is a simple relationship-building strategy that allows teachers to intentionally interact with a student for two minutes a day for ten days in a row by intentionally talking with the student. Previous studies suggest that the number of redirects the teacher gives decreases and the student-teacher closeness increases when the 2 × 10 strategy is used with a student engaging in disruptive behaviors. The current study examined the 2 × 10 strategy to decrease disruptive behaviors and increase student-teacher relationships for school-aged students with a reported history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Participants included two second grade and one third-grade minority special education students who each had a reported history of ACEs and disruptive behaviors in the classroom. The teacher implemented the 2 × 10 strategy by intentionally talking to each student for 2 uninterrupted minutes about non-school topics for 10 school days in a row. Findings indicated that all participants demonstrated a decrease in disruptive behaviors. The teacher indicated increased student-teacher relationships with two of the students, and all three students indicated increases in student-teacher relationships. Implications for implementing the 2 x 10 in the classroom are discussed.