Bathroom Pass Ideas

Many school classrooms use bathroom passes to manage bathroom breaks.

Managing student bathroom procedures challenges many teachers at all grade levels. A bathroom pass system helps eliminate unnecessary trips to the restroom, and it helps you keep track of the students who are out of the classroom. Establish rules about asking permission and when students are allowed to go to avoid interruptions of classroom instruction.

Paint-Stirring Sticks

Paint-stirring sticks are free at any store that sells paint. To make the sticks more attractive, paint them in bright colors. Many teachers offer a separate pass for boys and girls. If this is the method you use, paint each stick a different color to make it easy to distinguish between them. Use a small quart-sized empty paint can as the holder for the bathroom passes. A student needing to use the restroom takes the appropriate pass from the can and returns it when she gets back to the classroom.

Cards

This system gives each student his own bathroom pass. Write each child's name on an index card, and then let each kid decorate his card. Laminate them so they last longer. Each child keeps her bathroom pass at her desk. A small paper pocket on the desk works as a holder when it isn't in use. Post bathroom pass pockets by the classroom door. The number of pockets depends on how many kids you will allow out of the room at once. For example, you might have one boys' pocket and one girls' pocket if you allow one boy and one girl in the restroom at the same time. A child who needs to use the restroom takes her bathroom pass card from her desk and places it in the appropriate pocket near the door. You can easily see who is in the restroom by glancing at the pocket.

Badges

A bathroom badge is worn around the neck when a student needs to use the restroom. Create the desired number of bathroom passes, such one boy and one girl pass, and then attach each one to a lanyard. Hang the bathroom badges near the door. At times when restroom breaks are allowed, a student can take the appropriate pass, put it around his neck and use the restroom. Other staff members who see the student in the hallway can see that he has a bathroom pass and has permission to be out of the classroom. This option also eliminates students forgetting the pass in the bathroom or dropping it in the toilet.

Tags: bathroom pass, bathroom passes, appropriate pass, around neck, near door