Student Restroom Woes

As teachers, we’ve all been there before. We’ve started our
class, and things seem to be going great. Our students are engaged and
interested. Our lesson is working out better than anticipated. And even the
classroom discussion is a thing for the record books. You are even thinking
that this could be the best lesson and classroom discussion ever, or, at least
for this school year.

Then it happens…

A girl toward the middle of the room raises her had. You call
on her thinking that she is going to contribute to this exceptional classroom
discussion; the students think the same thing, and all eyes are on her.

Meekly, she says, “May I use the restroom?”

And with just those five words, the momentum of the
discussion is gone, the classroom is silent, and the students are distracted.

This used to happen to me all of the time.

Passing period is when students are supposed to use the
restroom. They are given a set amount of time to go from one class to another,
and also take care of any business they may have. Although, sometimes students
need to ask another teacher for clarification after class, pick up absent work,
or drop off a note at the attendance office. And also, sometimes students just
want a break from class, and taking a leisurely stroll to the restroom is just
the ticket.

After my first couple years of teaching, I grew tired of
students wanting to use the restroom during my class, and that is why I came up
with my Limited Restroom Pass solution. It’s great, and it has completely
changed the way my classroom operates.

In the beginning of each semester, I pass out these passes
to my students. I print them on colored paper, and each semester I use a
different color of paper.

Download a FREE Limited-Use Restroom Pass

The passes have six boxes on them. These boxes represent the
only six times a student may use the pass. At the end of the semester, I give
the students a couple points per box of extra credit for each unused box. This
teaches the students about choices. They can choose to use their six restroom
opportunities and waste them, or they can use them only when they absolutely
need to. After implementing this policy several years ago, I saw a drastic
reduction in students asking to use the restroom during my class period.

My Two Restroom Pass Rules

1. You must have your
pass with you to use the restroom

I will make exceptions if absolutely necessary. The last
thing I want is to unintentionally mortify a student if he or she has an
accident. However, I feel that this rule teaches students accountability and
responsibility; they need to keep track of this one ¼ sheet of paper throughout
the entire semester.

2. Raise the pass up
slightly in the air to get my attention

This rule makes asking to use the restroom a completely
non-verbal task. I can easily spot the pass, go over to the student without
distracting the class, and sign the pass.

You can download my restroom pass from my
TeachersPayTeachers store. It is completely free!