ABSTRACT
Student restroom breaks need not interrupt class time or other students. Your school or grade-level team may expect a specific procedure, but if one is not in place, one of these techniques may work for your students.
Cards. Each student has three laminated “restroom break” cards bearing his or her name. To go to the bathroom or drinking fountain, the student places a card in an “I’m in the Restroom” container and then puts the card in a basket upon return. When the cards are used, no more trips are allowed. If another trip is necessary, the student loses a subsequent recess period.
Hand signals. The student holds up one finger and the teacher then nods approval.
Index cards. Index cards bearing each student’s name are drawn from a designated box when a restroom break is desired. The student dates or initials the card.
Labels. Computer-generated labels can be stuck in a classroom restroom break book. Once labels are all used, there can be no more breaks until the teacher and student have a meeting.
