Have you reached that point where you’re OVER being asked a million times to go to the restroom every class period?
Would you rather do without the same kids going and staying gone for longer than they should and missing out on valuable class time?
With the back to school season upon us, I’m going to share how using restroom passes paired with the use of a tracking log from my TpT store positively impacts my classroom management system and how I use them in my class.
Why Restroom Passes?
If classroom management is a top priority for you, which I think it should be because without a well-managed class, it’s nearly impossible for any teaching or learning to take place.
Sure, you’ll have those students who are wise enough to know on their own that it’s better for them and their grades to take care of their personal needs before or after your class. How many of these kids do we really have - maybe a handful?
On the flip side though, I’m sure you have plenty of students who take advantage of being gone from your math class, roaming and chilling with their homies for as long as they possibly can. One or two of these you probably are HAPPY to have them out of your room for some time.
Implementing the use of restroom passes limits both of these problematic issues. Students will still ask to go, especially those who are trying to escape your class any time they can, but with my restroom passes they only have 6 times a grading period to do so.
Using color paper, I print four passes to a page (limits the number of pages needed and reduces the amount of time at the copy machine). Each grading cycle I like to use different color paper. For instance, in the 1st grading cycle I may use yellow; next cycle I’ll copy on blue and so on. This pop of color makes it easier for students to locate, but white paper works too.
Once cut out, I distribute the restroom passes to every student. Notice I said I hand out the passes. I don’t allow students to do so just in case extras get slipped to friends or themselves.
The kiddos must write their name on it using something that’s not erasable. Typically, students will store it in their binder, backpack, tape into their notebook or in their phone case.
Students receive only one. If they misplace it or it gets ruined, they aren’t allowed to go to the restroom during my class until a new pass is provided (exceptions are made depending on the child/situation).
Students on my campus earn PBIS reward points so if a pass is lost, I do allow students to purchase another pass for 30 points.
They do at times ask if they can borrow a classmate’s pass. I don’t prefer doing so for two reasons – one, the borrowed pass will have another kiddo’s name. So, if the student is stopped in the hall by admin/another teacher, this may be problematic. Secondly, requiring them to use their own pass encourages responsibility.
When a student asks to go to the restroom, I have them bring their pass to me. I check to make sure their name is written in the appropriate spot and that it’s in either pen or marker - something that doesn’t erase. In one of the available 6 slots, I add my initials, the date and time, which takes just a few seconds.
As I’m doing this, the kiddo should be signing the restroom log with today’s date, their name and time OUT. Once they return, they add their time IN. To reduce the “what time is it?” question, I place a small digital clock that I purchased for less than $5 next to the log.
You can find these restroom passes in my TpT store. This resource is available as an editable PowerPoint. So once you download it, just replace the teacher’s name with yours, print and cut.
For those kiddos who don’t know when to get back in a timely manner, warning them that home (I try to refrain from using mom or dad due to the unique living situations sometimes our kiddos have) will be contacted that from 9:24 to 9:46 you were “in the restroom” , this tends to put a stop to their mini vacations.
This restroom log is also available in my TpT store. It too is editable - just update your name and print!
Definitely add this to your back to school to-do list. Without a doubt, the use of restroom passes will greatly improve at least one aspect of your classroom management system, allowing you to keep your sanity for a bit longer.
Get out there and hack the heck out of your classroom!
Jonquil 💗
Sure, you’ll have those students who are wise enough to know on their own that it’s better for them and their grades to take care of their personal needs before or after your class. How many of these kids do we really have - maybe a handful?
On the flip side though, I’m sure you have plenty of students who take advantage of being gone from your math class, roaming and chilling with their homies for as long as they possibly can. One or two of these you probably are HAPPY to have them out of your room for some time.
Implementing the use of restroom passes limits both of these problematic issues. Students will still ask to go, especially those who are trying to escape your class any time they can, but with my restroom passes they only have 6 times a grading period to do so.
How To Use Restroom Passes
Students are given a new pass at the beginning of each grading cycle.Using color paper, I print four passes to a page (limits the number of pages needed and reduces the amount of time at the copy machine). Each grading cycle I like to use different color paper. For instance, in the 1st grading cycle I may use yellow; next cycle I’ll copy on blue and so on. This pop of color makes it easier for students to locate, but white paper works too.
Once cut out, I distribute the restroom passes to every student. Notice I said I hand out the passes. I don’t allow students to do so just in case extras get slipped to friends or themselves.
The kiddos must write their name on it using something that’s not erasable. Typically, students will store it in their binder, backpack, tape into their notebook or in their phone case.
Students receive only one. If they misplace it or it gets ruined, they aren’t allowed to go to the restroom during my class until a new pass is provided (exceptions are made depending on the child/situation).
Students on my campus earn PBIS reward points so if a pass is lost, I do allow students to purchase another pass for 30 points.
They do at times ask if they can borrow a classmate’s pass. I don’t prefer doing so for two reasons – one, the borrowed pass will have another kiddo’s name. So, if the student is stopped in the hall by admin/another teacher, this may be problematic. Secondly, requiring them to use their own pass encourages responsibility.
When a student asks to go to the restroom, I have them bring their pass to me. I check to make sure their name is written in the appropriate spot and that it’s in either pen or marker - something that doesn’t erase. In one of the available 6 slots, I add my initials, the date and time, which takes just a few seconds.
As I’m doing this, the kiddo should be signing the restroom log with today’s date, their name and time OUT. Once they return, they add their time IN. To reduce the “what time is it?” question, I place a small digital clock that I purchased for less than $5 next to the log.
You can find these restroom passes in my TpT store. This resource is available as an editable PowerPoint. So once you download it, just replace the teacher’s name with yours, print and cut.
Implement the Use of Restroom Passes with a Restroom Log
Another important element to using the passes in your classroom is a log. It is perfect to help monitor and keep track of which students are leaving your class as well as the amount of time they go to the restroom.For those kiddos who don’t know when to get back in a timely manner, warning them that home (I try to refrain from using mom or dad due to the unique living situations sometimes our kiddos have) will be contacted that from 9:24 to 9:46 you were “in the restroom” , this tends to put a stop to their mini vacations.
This restroom log is also available in my TpT store. It too is editable - just update your name and print!
Definitely add this to your back to school to-do list. Without a doubt, the use of restroom passes will greatly improve at least one aspect of your classroom management system, allowing you to keep your sanity for a bit longer.
Get out there and hack the heck out of your classroom!
Jonquil 💗
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