There are lots of things we can say in a day, -- but if I can give my kinders a visual reminder, clue or flat out visual direction -- I choose that option.
I find that if I can choose only to talk when its most important, then my words carry more weight.
{Annnnd, they just might be more likely to actually listen to what I'm saying and process it}
This year I updated my classroom reminders to coordinate with my bright color theme and to include a chevron background.
Reminding Students to Flush
I think teaching the classroom bathroom expected procedures is super important in kindergarten.
In fact, it's almost the very first thing I teach on the first day of school.
So, to help students remember that I expect them to tidy up the bathroom after themselves I post reminders inside the bathroom right at their rye level.
This first bathroom reminder is on the inside of the bathroom door to remind them right before they grab the door handle. It says, "remember to flush" which we all know is oh-so-important!
I like to also place this one on the back wall as a reminder for boys. Again - placement is key so I place it at eye level.
These reminders are helpful - point to them as you explain what you expect.
Here are two things I'd recommend while teaching students how to use your classroom restroom appropriately:
- Model grabbing "an appropriate amount" of toilet paper. For real - put it in the toilet bowl before you model flushing.
- Model how to flush using the handles (or buttons) that your school bathroom has. Some students will not love the sound of loud flushing toilets and it can help to identify that right away.
Reminding Students to Wash
As I write this, the Daniel Tiger song plays in my head, "flush and wash and be on your way."
Don't know what I'm referring to? See for yourself --
Catchy, right?
Well, I want students to remind themselves to wash their hands so I placed a "wash your hands" sign in multiple places around my classroom.
One is placed on the outside of the door - at eye level where they grab the doorknob and change the door signal to green (meaning the bathroom is available).
I have a few different skin tones for the image of the hand... just to make them friendly for all classrooms.
And one is framed above our classroom sink.
Remember - when you're modeling how to wash hands - be sure to show them how much soap to dispense.
And if you don't have a trash can that is nearby where they dry their hands with a paper towel - get one and move it closer. This is key to maintaining a clean classroom sink area.
Do these reminder signs work like magic and students automatically wash and flush every single time?
Well, no.
But they are a big help.
You can use them in your classroom too --
Download Classroom Bathroom RemindersDo you want to know one of my secret weapons for teaching bathroom procedures?
Check out how I use a social story to teach my expectations and classroom procedures for the restroom.
If you like what I do here on KindergartenWorks, then be sure to subscribe today. I look forward to sharing ideas with you weekly.
Penny says
Thanks for Sharing.
Angela Loyd says
Can't wait to make my own bathroom book. I downloaded the signs and already have them posted and ready to go for the upcoming year. I don't have a bathroom in my Kindergarten class, but I think even the older students can benefit from the gentle reminders these signs will offer. Thanks so much! I would love to have matching signs that say, "Use Only 1 Paper Towel" and "Do Not Put Your Mouth ON the Fountain". (Just a little 'hint' if you ever decide to add to your pack.) 😉
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Angela for taking the time to share how you're going to use them - great to hear! Thanks for sharing your ideas on turning these into hallway bathroom signs with the additional tips. Oh, how they need this too... I'll have to get creative with the images I pick.
- Leslie
Dee says
AMAZING BOOK! I just found out that in our building makeover, I will get a bathroom in my class (so excited!). I'm so glad I stumbled across this, and I will be stealing this idea to make my own! Thank you so much for sharing!
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Dee - I hope you have a fantastic year!
KinderJedi says
I love the idea of the bathroom book!!! THank you for the free signs....I'm going to copy them onto full size sticker paper for the bathroom!
Ashton says
I love your book! I am going to make one too. Thanks!
Jennifer Smith-Sloane says
Thank you so much! I can't wait to hang these in my Applied Learning (LIfe Skills) classroom.
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Wonderful to hear Jennifer. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
- Leslie
Julie says
So excited to find this! I too had a problem with students messing around in the bathroom.
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Julie, I hope it helps with problematic bathroom issues. I found it made the first day of school soooo much easier!
- Leslie
Jeni says
I love the bathroom book! I am very excited to introduce procedures through books this year.
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Jeni!
- Leslie
Jessica says
I love this idea! I have a shared bathroom situation as well. It's the worst! You are so creative, thanks for sharing your ideas!
~Jessica
Fun in PreK-1
shug says
My kinder students will be sharing a bathroom with students from next door. Do you have any ideas how we can coordinate bathroom use?
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
This one is a toughy! I wish I had experience in this area, so I'll ask on my facebook page for you!
- Leslie
Rebecca Atwood says
This is great!
Becky
Lesson plans & Lattes
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Becky!
Misskindergarten says
Obsessed!! LOL
Leslie @KindergartenWorks says
Thanks Hadar 😉