Dear Barbara,

I notice middle schoolers try to make bathroom passes an issue sometimes. They often test the teacher by going one after another. I usually tell them no more passes if they abuse it, and it works. But it seems to depend on how the teacher handles the issue. I tried my usual pass stoppage with a 6th grade class recently, and they went bananas, becoming very dramatic about their bladders, etc. They said their teacher lets the entire class go, and gets it over with. So I called the aide, and she had them go one table at a time. Have you heard any solution for this seemingly small problem that kids like to make a federal case out of? Come to think of it, one teacher of the gifted just let them come and get the pass at will and use it anytime without asking. That seemed to work with those kids.

Me again,
Marilyn

Dear Marilyn,

Your bathroom scenario sounds so familiar! Here is another example of how subs are at the mercy of the culture and climate that the classroom teacher creates.

The best system is where the bathroom passes are hanging by the door, and students go out one at a time. No disruption of instruction occurs. Students feel free to leave when they must.

Try to find out what the policy is for your class. If it’s the one described above, then follow that policy.

If the culture is one where students must interrupt to ask to go the bathroom, I would state a new policy for today. Take a large index card and label it Bathroom Pass, or have a sign out sheet near the door.

Tell students that your policy is for students to go one at a time. They must bring the pass with them and return it. The pass can be placed near the door in a prominent place. Be matter of fact about your system.

If students complain about “bladder abuse,” ignore their manipulative conversation. Be very sure of yourself. Tell them that your policy works very well for all your classes. Your system is fair and reasonable.

Barbara

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