Middle school kids LOVE to use and abuse the classroom lavatory pass,
leaving teachers frustrated with the revolving door. I've tried "is it an emergency" and the typical
sign out sheet, but neither seem to reduce the requests. SO... This year
I've started a new policy and I want to post it because it is working wonders.
Students are issued 3 departure tickets per marking period (10 weeks).
In order to use the lav pass, they need to rip a ticket out of their
science journal (kept in the classroom) and hand it to me. At the end of the marking period, all unused passes are
put in a drawing for prizes (homework passes, bonus booster points, redo
coupons…etc.) Before this policy, I had on average 3-5 kids per 40-minute period
asking to use the restroom. Now I have less than 5 kids per day. More time in the classroom = more
learning…VICTORY!
what about having some sort of tear out sheet that is here in the class room. we have the tear out sheets but our kids complaining of leaving them in places. some teachers take the time to make it a battle. i've gotten to the point where i just say go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting! I guess we all have to find/create a system that matches our particular group of kids. The tear out departure tickets (kept in the classroom) have worked wonders for me. I believe that teachers can avoid "battles" when expectations are clear, concise and consistent.
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