The Bathroom Solution: Potty Passes!

Today's post is a short and sweet one to let you know that I've finally found a workable solution to the bathroom issue! I hate it when students leave my classroom during class time to visit the bathroom. So many use it as an escape function and it's hard to know when that's the case. Additionally, we never know when they're leaving EVERY class because they have an emergency, right? Another teacher at my school mentioned Potty Passes in August, and my team and I decided to give it a try.

After using Potty Passes for an entire quarter, I can report back to you that they were a HUGE SUCCESS!

Here's what the Potty Passes look like:

Students receive a sheet of five Potty Passes each 9 weeks. They may visit the bathroom by tearing off a pass (I have them clip the horizontal lines and place them in their binders for my class so that they're ready to tear off and use). Once the passes are gone, no more bathroom trips.

NOTE: I would never deny a middle school girl permission to visit the bathroom. Ever. This is a no-brainer. In my two months experience, I haven't had any issues with this. The girls are happy to use the passes when necessary, and if they were out, I would never deny them!

The best part? Unused passes are turned in at the end of the quarter for CANDY! You would be amazed at the sudden bathroom responsibility that developed as a result of the passes. My students saved up all 9 weeks, held it at the end of the day when needed, and all of that for five jolly ranchers. Yup!

You can download this template by clicking below and editing it to suit your needs. It'll download in PowerPoint and the teacher's name and rules are editable.

Potty Pass Template

Enjoy!

Erin