Meeting all students' needs and preventing behavior problems can be daunting. At times, it can be frustrating when learners reject our help. But meeting their needs can be done.
How? Build relationships first.
We all know building relationships is vital. I believe it. I live it. And I know it's true. Time and time again, I've been able to turn negative behavior around, get extra help for struggling students, and create an unbelievable positive culture. One where kids are engaged and happy to be learning because I invested in relationships with each student.
The 2 x 10 strategy written about by many educators is a wonderful way to build relationships.
I first learned about it from a post by Angela Watson.
The 2×10 strategy is simple: spend 2 minutes per day for 10 days in a row talking with an at-risk student about anything they want to talk about.
Meeting all students' needs begins with loving them, being yourself, and investing time in them. Meeting all students' needs takes clear expectations and consistency. It's not a microwave solution. It takes time. But the rewards equate to changed lives.
The following three strategies are doable in two minutes.
3 Ways to Meet All Students' Needs
Frequency -When I was in the hospital recovering from surgery, a nurse came to check my vital signs every hour. It was scheduled. It was frequent. It got me thinking about how a lot can change in an hour. It got me thinking about how important it is to check our students' vital signs frequently. How are they feeling? What are they thinking? How can we help them right now? Conduct a 2-minute check-in with all students. Frequently.
Probing Questions- Every hour when a nurse came to check on me, they used standardized machines to check my blood pressure, measure my temperature, etc. In addition, they asked probing questions. They asked me about my pain level on a scale of 1-10. They asked me many questions to meet my needs. The same is true for our students. We can't just rely on standardized and standard methods to meet our students' needs. We need to spend time with them. Spend 2 minutes asking probing questions. Then, listen and meet their needs.
Attend Immediately-One evening, a nurse checked my vital signs on schedule. Everything looked great. Then, she asked me probing questions. Based on my replies, she conducted a few tests. Immediately, she gave me oxygen and adjusted my bed to a more comfortable position. Immediately, she gave me treatment. She didn't say, "I'll be back in an hour to take care of you." It was life-threatening. Sometimes, not immediately meeting our students' needs is life-threatening. Be alert. Watch their vital signs frequently. Attend to their needs right away. Their life is counting on you.
Time translates "I care." When you invest just two minutes a day, it packs a powerful punch. Two minutes a day meets all kids' needs without being daunting. It's doable. It creates a positive, caring culture where students are happy to be engaged instead of act out.
You make a difference!
Learn more about being STRONG & how to cultivate life-changing relationships with families and students in my upcoming book. I share personal student stories and strategies for cultivating culture and community rooted in relationships. It's centered around amplifying all students' potential and unshakeable relationships that raise student achievement. Coming out 2021. Get updates by clicking here & join hundreds who get "Inspiration in Your Inbox".
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