Case
Bathroom

I am on Block schedule, which requires students to be in my classroom for 90 minutes. That is a long time especially in the morning and right after lunch. Last year, halfway through the class, I allowed students to use the restroom and gave a 5 minute break. This was also good for their mind. It worked great. It didn't interfere with any other classes, my teachings or learning. However, at the end of last year, my department head asked me why and said I probably shouldn't do that. However, she couldn't give me a reason why. I tried to explain to her, it helps control my classroom management. I haven't done it this year and struggle throughout the lesson, because I continue to have students ask me to use the restroom. Should I go back to what I did last year?

Posted on: 10/16/14 | Views: 1609
Solution #1
Top Solution
If it has worked in the past, I would approach the Department head with information that shows your class is having a hard time through the lesson. Compare days you have a break, to days that you do not and collect the data. Maybe a tally system of the number of students who ask to be excused. Then,I would then sit down with her and explain the needs of your students. You could also ask her to come in and sit to observe. This would allow her to see what types of struggles the students are going through because of missing the lesson.

I think this is a great suggestion to getting the department head to understand why you ran your classroom that way last year and how it is hindering your class this year to not have that five minute break.

Yes I think you should go back to your prior solution. Students are going to constantly get up in your class if not.

Great solution! I love that it involves presenting information to your department head before continuing with the schedule you had before. If you can prove that it benefits the students I see no reason why they would not approve of it.

Always use your resources.

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Solution #2
AS some people may think high school students should be able to sit through 90 minutes of lecture, in reality some students may not. Not all students are built alike and neither are adults. Even teachers have the capability of taking a break during professional development if needed. Students with ADD or other special needs that aren't as openly apparent will need the break that you can offer them. Without being defiant, I would ask to speak with your department head about reasons behind her thought. If that does not render a solution, I would approach my administrator and ask for a small intercession like addressing the entire team with expectations.
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Solution #3
If it was your department head, then I say do what you want that is working in your classroom! I am also a department head, so I know they do not have the right to tell you how to run your classroom. Unless your principal has asked you to stop, then I say keep rocking it! I give my kiddos "brain breaks" which is usually about 5 minutes total which sounds like what you are doing as well!

I completely agree with you.

Everyone needs a break from Kindergarten to adults!

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Solution #4
If it has proved to be beneficial in the past, then bring it to the attention of your Department of Head, and explain your findings. The students obviously benefit form this, so it should be continued.
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Solution #5
Ask your administration. Mention that it helped you last year, as well as the students, and see if it would be okay to do it this year as well.
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Solution #6
First I would ask your department head to maybe come in to observe, if not for only 10 minutes or so, on two separate days: one day when you give your students a break and one day when you do not. Allow them to see for themselves the difference. If they still discourage you from it and you believe it benefits your students' success in your classroom, go to the admisitration. The department heads do not have the final say, your principal and your APs do. Ask them what they think (and maybe have some test scores or assignment grades from those two separate days to back up your claim).
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Solution #7
You should first inform your department head that because you don't do this anymore it is effecting your classroom and the children are not as successful.
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Solution #8
I think you should go back to the prior solution but talk to the department head first to help them understand why it is important to manage your class the way you have in the past.
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Solution #9
I think you should go back to the way you were doing it. Even though the department head advised against this unscheduled break. You know that your students need the break. Then have a meeting and explain that this will increase the actual class time by taking away all of the extra distractions.
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Solution #10
I would write up a response on what I want to do and why it is beneficial to the my students and then I would go back to what I did last year. That was effective for you and that helped you control your classroom so yes I would go back to that strategy.
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Solution #11
Typically, I think of giving breaks to students to be a practice done in elementary school. However, i can see the real benefit in giving high school students this break also because of the amount of material a teacher has to go through in one class period. I feel that this practice would work depending on the personality of the students. I have had behavioral problems in my classroom before and the only way they would improve is if I kept them constantly busy.

I agree that high schoolers are old enough to focus through a 90 minute class without needing a bathroom break.

I agree, high school students have the capacity to sit through a 90 minute lecture and know how to manage their time or if they have to use the restroom to hold it. In some circumstances I would allow a quick break of it was an emergency.

I feel that we do not need to evaluate what other people's bladders are capable of. In a 90 minute period, I would like to use the bathroom at least once, especially if it is after lunch.

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