Bathroom

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Home : 2003 : August : 5

Bathroom
By Cheryl

I have always let my students have a water bottle as well, and I haven't had a big problem with the bathroom yet. (Is that the connection?) What I do use as my "bathroom routine" is a two step system that allows the students
the freedom to go as long as I don't think they are abusing the system. The first is that they don't ask to go. They put two fingers up with their hand up when they need to go. I don't need to stop teaching, I just nod a yes, (or shake no), to indicate if they may leave at that time. Then we have a chart with all the boys names down one side, and all the girls names down the other.

There is a clothespin on each side, and you may only go if no other child of your gender has already left the room. If they didn't really have to go, they may even forget that they had asked. The students must wait unless its an ABSOLUTE emergency. There are no parties because it is rare that two students are out at the same time. If you feel someone is abusing the system, talk to them and then talk to the parents on a concerned level. Perhaps it is an issue you aren't really aware of. I also always let the kids know that if it is truly an emergency, or if they are feeling sick, its better to go then to have an accident. Trust me, a few bathroom breaks are better than a mess to deal with any day!! Kids will respond to your caring concern and to your firm but fair stance. Good luck! Cheryl