Bathroom Bliss

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : September : 3

Bathroom Bliss
By Jamie

I don't want to have to ask to use the restroom, and I don't feel that children should have to either. When you gotta go, you gotta go! I have taken a procedure from my mentor teacher during student teaching that works
AMAZINGLY well in my classroom. I made each child a laminated card with his/her name on it, about the size of an index card. I then taped library card envelopes onto the side of each child's desk as a place to keep the card. Two additional library card envelopes, labeled "boys" and "girls," are taped on the wall near the door. When a student has to use the restroom, he/she takes his

card from his desk pocket and places it in the appropriate pocket by the door, then leaves to use the restroom. Students can use the card one time in the morning and once in the afternoon, and they also have recess and lunch time to use the restroom. (if they really have to go and have used their card already, I let them go, but most are REALLY good about it). I can see who is gone by glancing at the envelopes because the last person to leave will have his card in front.
My students know that if we are discussing something or I am giving directions, they are to wait unless it is an emergency. I haven't had a single problem yet!