bathroom breaks

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : December : 1

bathroom breaks
By Julianne

I teach first grade, so similar conditions probably don't apply. Still, I can relate to your predicament. We have a rule that says one can use the restroom at any time unless the teacher is giving direct instruction (i.e.
talking). Anyway, I got caught the other day when I asked a child to wait until I had finished giving instructions for an assignment and she really couldn't wait.
However, it sounds like these kids have got your number. Four to six times a quarter to slip out of class for the restroom is plenty. They're over 10 and need to plan their visits more carefully. Tell them that. Tell

them you will NOT make exceptions unless they can produce a doctor's note telling about their medical condition. They shouldn't be able to go together at all. One child out of the classroom at a time, emergency or not. Give them the new, refined rules with a day's notice and then stick to it. If they whine, or look uncomfortable, give them the choice of going out and making up the time after school - ten minutes for each minute they are out of the room. If they really, really need to go they'll take you up on that. If you can't keep them after school, make it lunch they must give up.

One last thought: Talk to other teachers in your building about this behavior. I'll bet you find that there hasn't been a true accident in a class in a very long time.