There's nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of what you think is a fantastic lesson and calling on a student hoping to get an insightful comment or question only to hear "Can I go to the bathroom?" Geesh! Last year's group was the worst for this! So this year I am going to be proactive. We are going to have serious discussions about what "emergency" really means and when is an appropriate time to use the restroom. I saw an idea on a blog or Pinterest to have signs indicating that it is an OK time to go. The original pinner used red and green signs; I decided to make something that fit with my movie theme.
When the "Showtime" sign is up, meaning we are having a lesson or read-aloud, the restroom is closed except for emergencies. Students, one boy and girl at a time, can take the pass at "Intermission." (These signs have a red star border that is not showing up in the pictures for some reason.)
Then I saw another great idea on Pinterest to use a bottle of hand sanitizer as the pass. The student will put the bottle on his/her desk so we know who is out of the classroom and then use the sanitizer when he returns. I made some labels that can be attached to a bottle of sanitizer after the original label is removed. I got these bottles at Dollar Tree. The labels come off quite easily and leave a smooth surface. I'm going to cover the labels with clear packing tape to protect them a little bit as soon as I figure out where all our tape is!
I'm linking up with Tara at
4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It. Can't wait to see what everyone has made this week!
I love your bottles! Too cute! I want to do something similar this year, too... Constant trips to the restroom drive me crazy. I did institute a new rule last year that worked really well - instead of interrupting instruction to ask to go, they simply raise ONE finger & I know it's an emergency. No talking..no getting up, and they know when I nod at them, they can go. :)
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Kelly
First Grade Fairytales
What a great idea with the hand sanitizer! I also love the sign ideas too! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI am new to the blog world. Check out Teise's Tidbits when you have a chance.
Debbie