# The 10-Minute Trick That Helps Quiet Kids Speak Up at School
Kids who struggle to raise their hand or participate in class often need a confidence boost before the school year starts. Child development expert Sheila Fortson recommends a simple family ritual that takes just 10 minutes daily.
The practice involves creating a safe space at home where children practice speaking up without judgment. Parents sit with their child and take turns sharing thoughts on simple topics, like favorite foods, weekend plans, or what they noticed during the day. The child goes first, and parents listen without interruption or correction.
This approach works because it removes the pressure and stakes that make classroom speaking feel threatening. At home, kids get comfortable using their voice with people they trust most. They learn that their thoughts matter and deserve to be heard. Fortson explains that shy or anxious children often need repeated, low-pressure practice to build the neural pathways associated with confidence.
The ritual works best when parents keep it consistent and positive. Starting this habit in late August, before school begins, gives children several weeks to internalize the feeling of being heard and valued. Kids who do this exercise show measurably higher participation rates once class starts, research shows.
Parents often see secondary benefits too. Children become more willing to share concerns about their day, friendships, or worries. They're more likely to ask questions rather than stay silent when confused. The confidence that builds in these 10 minutes spreads to other social situations beyond the classroom.
For families with multiple children, parents can adapt the practice to fit their schedule. Even three to four times per week delivers real results. The key is consistency and genuine listening, not drilling answers or correcting their child's words. When kids feel truly heard at home, they carry that confidence into the classroom and beyond.