Banking Time
A strategy for building positive, sensitive, and supportive relationships between a teacher and child
Relationships with adults are critical resources for children. Banking Time helps teachers to invest in this relationship by spending quality one-on-one time with a child outside of the classroom. When problems or conflicts arise, the time invested in the relationship can help solve problems, as the child remembers the teacher as a listener and a helper.
Hallmarks of Banking Time
One-on-One Session
A 20-minute session 2 to 3 times a week outside of the regular classroom routine
Child-Led
The child chooses materials and activities while the teacher follows their lead
The Teacher's Role
The teacher observes, labels, and narrates as they play with the child
VIDEO 1
Banking Time: The Teacher's Role
In this short video lesson, you’ll learn about the hallmarks of Banking Time sessions and about the key strategies you can use to build strong relationships.
VIDEO 2
Banking Time: Letting the Child Lead
To follow up on the teacher’s role in banking time, this short video provides a closer look at what it means to let a child lead these important one-on-one sessions.
IMPLEMENT THIS STRATEGY
Banking Time Resources
Banking Time Overview
A short two-page explainer to continue learning about this strategy
Planning Guide
Use this planning guide to prepare for a session with a child
