I've tried a number of restroom procedures over the years. I never have really had a problem with frequent trips. Usually, I handle the abusers case by case. However, this year I tried something different. What works for one group doesn't work for all, that's for sure. So, we were in desperate need of a change in order to regain control of the frequent trips to the restroom.
First of all, it is a standing rule in my class that students MAY NOT use the restroom when someone is speaking to the whole class. It is just rude. Also, we all take a restroom break as a class after lunch. That being said, students are allowed one other trip to the restroom before lunch. I also have sanitizers labeled 'boys' and 'girls'. I am now using a magnetic board with student names to monitor who takes restroom trips. I keep it on the side of my desk, in plain site from my small group table. Not a lot of traffic passes by this spot, except if students use the restroom.
The procedure is to come get the boys' or girls' sanitizer off the shelf (if it is gone, they must wait-my rule is one boy and one girl out of the room at a time). Once they have confirmed that no one else is out using the restroom, they move their name down on the board. If they don't use their 1 pass before lunch, or their emergency pass, they earn a ClassDojo point for the day. If students need their emergency pass, it is certainly available, but no ClassDojo point is earned that day. Students went from going 3-4, and even some 5-6 times a day, to only 2 times or less! What was ridiculous has become fantastic! Bottom line - the more time students are in the room, the more instruction they receive.
Magnetic Restroom Board = Success!
First of all, it is a standing rule in my class that students MAY NOT use the restroom when someone is speaking to the whole class. It is just rude. Also, we all take a restroom break as a class after lunch. That being said, students are allowed one other trip to the restroom before lunch. I also have sanitizers labeled 'boys' and 'girls'. I am now using a magnetic board with student names to monitor who takes restroom trips. I keep it on the side of my desk, in plain site from my small group table. Not a lot of traffic passes by this spot, except if students use the restroom.
The procedure is to come get the boys' or girls' sanitizer off the shelf (if it is gone, they must wait-my rule is one boy and one girl out of the room at a time). Once they have confirmed that no one else is out using the restroom, they move their name down on the board. If they don't use their 1 pass before lunch, or their emergency pass, they earn a ClassDojo point for the day. If students need their emergency pass, it is certainly available, but no ClassDojo point is earned that day. Students went from going 3-4, and even some 5-6 times a day, to only 2 times or less! What was ridiculous has become fantastic! Bottom line - the more time students are in the room, the more instruction they receive.
Magnetic Restroom Board = Success!