It’s based on the idea that spending two minutes per day for 10 consecutive school days in positive, non-academic conversation with a student can significantly strengthen their connection to school.
How to Use 2x10 for as an Attendance Intervention:
Identify the Student(s)
Choose a student (or small group of students) who has frequent absences or is disengaged.
Prioritize students who may feel disconnected or lack strong relationships with adults at school.
Commit to Daily Conversations
Spend 2 minutes each day talking to the student, for 10 school days in a row.
Focus on non-academic topics—sports, hobbies, family, music, movies, or anything that interests them.
Keep the conversation light and student-led.
Be Consistent & Intentional
Choose a time and setting where the student is comfortable (e.g., before class, during transitions, or lunch).
Avoid pressuring them about attendance; instead, focus on building trust and showing you care.
Monitor Changes in Attendance & Engagement
Track their attendance before, during, and after the 10-day period.
Look for improvements in participation, mood, or willingness to attend class.
Extend & Reinforce the Connection
After the 10 days, continue checking in periodically.
Celebrate small wins, like showing up on time or attending more frequently.
Involve other trusted adults (teachers, staff) in relationship-building.
Why It Works
Many students with poor attendance feel disconnected from school.
A trusted relationship with an adult can make them feel valued and more likely to attend.
It’s low-effort but high-impact, requiring just 20 minutes total per student over two weeks.
Conversation Starters for 2x10
Here are some questions and topics to help keep the conversation natural and engaging:
General Interests
What’s something fun you did recently?
What kind of music do you like? Any favorite artists?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What’s a TV show or movie you’ve watched more than once?
Hobbies & Activities
What do you like to do when you're not in school?
Do you play any sports or video games? Which ones?
If you could learn a new skill instantly, what would it be?
School & Future Goals
If you could design your perfect school schedule, what would it look like?
What’s a subject or activity at school that you enjoy the most?
Do you have any dreams for the future—like a job, place to travel, or goal?
Fun & Random
Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?
What’s the best snack of all time?
If you had a time machine, where (or when) would you go?
Tracking Attendance & Engagement
To measure whether the 2x10 strategy is making a difference, you can track:
1. Attendance Data
Compare attendance before, during, and after the intervention.
Look for changes in lateness, absences, or class participation.
2. Engagement & Behavior Notes
Is the student talking to you more?
Are they participating in class more?
Do they seem happier or more comfortable at school?
3. Student Feedback
After 10 days, casually ask how they’re feeling about school.
You can say: “I really enjoyed our talks. Has anything changed for you at school?
2x10 Attendance & Engagement Tracking Sheet
Student Name: ________________________
Grade/Section: ________________________
Start Date: ___________ End Date: ___________
Daily Interaction Log
Day | Date | Topic of Conversation | Student’s Mood/Engagement | Notes (Behavior, Participation, Attendance) |
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Attendance Tracking Before & After Intervention
Week | Days Present | Days Absent | Days Tardy | Notes |
Week Before 2x10 |
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Week 1 (During) |
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Week 2 (During) |
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Week After 2x10 |
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Reflection & Observations
Did the student’s attendance improve? (Y/N)
Did they seem more engaged in conversations? (Y/N)
Any noticeable changes in behavior or attitude?
Next steps (Continue check-ins? Involve others?)
Teacher/Staff Notes:
Final Thoughts:
Consider continuing informal check-ins if positive changes are seen.
Share observations with other teachers or support staff if needed.
Celebrate small wins—any improvement in attendance or engagement is progress!