Classroom procedures play a huge role in a kindergarten teacher's day. Wouldn't you agree?
Here is one of my top tips on how to teach kindergarten classroom procedures for using the bathroom in our classroom.
My solution to teach how to properly use the restroom in our classroom on the first day of school (and throughout the first week) is to create and use a social-story style procedures book!
Why it works
The reason for using a social-story style of book to teach this classroom procedure is that it works!
Students see me, their new teacher, living out the procedures... but they can insert themselves into the story... making it successful.
Last year was the first year I used the book and I had students using the bathroom signs, washing hands and knocking ALL on day one -
{say what?}
- so I'm giving credit to this simple little book!
An additional benefit is that it also was very successful for my students on the Autism spectrum.
See the book
If you love this idea and just want to steal my copy to use in your classroom - you've got it!
But the cool thing is, you can make one too. I'll share how I made it.
How I made it
I had another teacher take pictures of me showing the routines and procedures we use. I tried to be a little over the top to add humor to help break the ice the first day of school.
Then I created easy, expectations-based text to match our procedures.
My inspiration to create the text came from (affiliate book) No David!.
It includes:
- knocking on the door
- being polite
- being tidy
- washing
I wanted my new students to feel like they could begin chiming in to say, "NO!" as they see me throwing waded up paper towels on the floor.
But, really, any simple text will make this work. But keep it simple - there's a lot they are taking in these first days of kindergarten.
Just remember... I tried to make mine a little over the top since I wanted to add humor.
No matter how you {and I} think it turned out... it worked!
How to make your own
So, do you want to make your own? I've got your back.
Teachers have requested a copy of this for years to make their own version. Now you can!
- Take photos of you doing each set of the routine as you want to teach it AND a couple of photos of you doing the incorrect thing if you want to go for humor, as I did.
- Insert your photos into this editable Classroom Bathroom Procedures Book (you'll need Google Slides or PowerPoint to edit it). You agree to these terms of use. [downloading help]
- Change the text to match your bathroom and to match your expectations.
- Remember: keep the text simple!
- Print double-sided.
I used these fonts for the editable book in case you want them too:
Cover Title: KB Stick to the Plan | Text: ABC Print | [How to install a font]
Classroom bathroom FAQ
Some of you have had questions about how our bathroom procedures work after reading this book - so let me help you!
How do we make taking turns and keeping privacy work in our classroom?
We just have two paint chips (red/green) that are stuck together with double-sided stick tape. They are hole punched onto a clasp-ring on (affiliate) 3M hooks.
Students flip the cards to signify if a bathroom is available or in use.
What are the "wash your hands" and the "remember to flush" signs pictured in your book?
Oh - those are cute chevron wash and flush reminders I made.
Grab your free wash and flush classroom sign reminders.
I even put one in a photo frame (so it wiped off easily) and put it above our classroom sink.
What else do you do to teach bathroom and restroom procedures?
I'm so glad you asked!
Here are my top 3 tips to teach the classroom bathroom to make it easy on you and your new kinders.
If you like what I do here on KindergartenWorks, then be sure to subscribe today. I look forward to sharing ideas with you weekly
More Classroom Routines
- Starting off the School Year Successfully
- Building a Visual Schedule for the Morning Routine
- Kindergartners Can Prepare Their Own Folders
- Creating a System for Lost Pencils and Crayons
Rachael Harris says
Hi Leslie, I'm a new Kindergarten teacher, and I'm really enjoying your site! I'm working on my own social story, for recess time, to teach my Kinders about appropriate behavior in in the playground and how we line up to go inside. My question is, should this social story be used exclusively for steps of procedures, or can I include rules, too? I'm not sure if I read this on your site, or somewhere else (I've been reading a lot lately!), but I remember reading somewhere that there's a difference between rules and procedures and I should not confuse the two when teaching it to my students. Is it okay to have elements of both in this social story?
Here's an example of what I mean. One problem I'm having with my students is throwing dirt (I allow them to dig in it). This is how my story starts:
It's time for recess!
I ride the scooter.
I throw the ball.
I run with my friends.
I climb up.
I slide down.
I play in the dirt.
Do I throw dirt on my friends?
Do I throw dirt on the slide?
No!
I dig.
I scrape.
I pour.
I keep the dirt in the dirt. (*That's a catch phrase I've been using with them)
Since I'm doing this *after* the year has started (groan), I feel putting this issue into the story is reactive, when really this story should be proactive. To make a long story short, would you advise that I include this point, or not address it in the story?
Thank you so much for all your amazing ideas! The lesson-planning bracelet was a life-saver!
Leslie Simpson says
Hi Rachael, great idea for a story. You can save it for next year to be proactive with that class! Yes, absolutely add in your catch phrase of leaving the dirt in the dirt. It can't hurt. You have to teach both rules and procedures, and this is just one way of doing it in an age-appropriate manner. Go for it! Best wishes to you in your first year. You've got this
- Leslie
Joey says
I have been exploring your website, and just want to say thank you so much for sharing these wonderful resources! I've been teaching for 15 years and have found so much inspiration. Thank You, Again!!!
Niecha says
I’m so happy to have found this idea for bathroom procedures. This is one of the best things ever. I changed it a little and used my own children for the pictures. I would Love to share it with you.
Leslie Simpson says
I'm so glad you were able to take it and make it your own! That's fantastic.
- Leslie
Tatum says
Thank you so much for this! As a new teacher, I've been trying to find fun ways to teach the MANY procedures for Kinder! Making a social book is awesome! Can't wait to make my own 🙂
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
You're welcome! So glad it can help cover those -oh-so-many procedures in a helpful way.
- Leslie
Jill Tully says
I just have to say THANK YOU for your wealth of knowledge and resources! I am switching to kindergarten this fall and, even after teaching for 20 years, I am getting lots of great new ideas from you. I truly appreciate your sharing-thanks so much!
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Hi Jill! Thank you very much for sharing your appreciation with me! Welcome to the land of kindergarten - I hope you love it and have a fantastic year.
- Leslie
NANCY Hunnicutt says
why can I not download the free printable bathroom signs? It takes me to the Kindergarten works and never can download ?
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Hi Nancy, I'm not sure what might be going on. You'll need to go to this article (https://www.kindergartenworks.com/classroom-management/wash-and-flush/) which has the link to the download page. On the download page you can opt to share the article in exchange for the download. You'll find instructions on the download page. Hope that helps!
- Leslie