Bathroom breaks are built into the daily schedule at my school. If someone asks to go, I say, "This is library time, not bathroom break time" up front. We don't have a student bathroom near the library. Many times the student just wants to avoid something or dawdle. If the student persists, and the teacher is present, I have the student ask him/her, not me. Otherwise, one at a time and return quietly. Some librarians have a bathroom pass system. I've done that at the middle school level, but not at elementary. Too many germs. (Regina Hartley)
Our bathrooms are very close to the library, and if a student asks to go to the bathroom, I usually just let them go. We've not had any real problems. It's much better than having urine on our new carpet! :\ (Jamie Camp)
Students use a hand signal (the same signal they use in the classroom during testing) when they have to go. I let them go 2 at a time, whenever they want to go. I've had too many accidents on the carpet :(
My personal portable carpet cleaner (Little Green Machine, right) now lives in the library. (Keisa Williams)
Students are told to silently put up one finger. When I notice them, I silently give a signal to go. One student at a time. They take a pass and go. Bathrooms are close to the library. I fought bathroom breaks for 6 years. This way has the least amount of interruption. (Paula Daubert)
Each student is required to ask permission. One boy and one girl is allowed (unless emergencies). I have a girls' pass and a boys' pass hung by velcro at the exit door. Above the pass on a shelf each gender has a sanitizer bottle for their use. When they leave for the restroom the pass goes on the shelf by the sanitizer, they are to do their business, wash hands and return to class. I encourage the use of hand sanitizer! When they return they are to replace the bathroom pass on the velcro. I would like to suggest taking a trip and showing the younger kids where the restroom is for media class, this alleviates many problems! (Stephanie Torczon-Essien)