Just Say No to Bubbles?

What’s a well-known hallway transition that has been around since the beginning of time? Have students pretend there are bubbles in their mouths as they walk quietly down the hall. Has this idea been around forever? Yes. Are there more unique and creative ways to encourage quiet behavior when walking in the hallway? Yes. Is it harsh and constraining? That’s up to you to decide. 

Yesterday, I came upon a tweet denouncing the method as disrespectful to children. I saw criticisms about it “being oppressive” and “enforcing silence.” But aren’t we trying to enforce silence in the hallway? It’s five minutes, at the most, while children are walking by other classrooms. I don’t think any of us advocate unnecessary silence in school. We want children to play, collaborate, and be creative. But there are so many things we can get upset about in regards to education. Nitpicking everything will send us all over the edge.  

What say you about the bubbles? 

  1. It’s repressive and I would never use that transition.
  2. I’m not concerned – every once in awhile is no big deal.
  3. What? I use it all the time and see no problem.

9 thoughts on “Just Say No to Bubbles?

  1. I do tell my students they need to be quiet in the hallways. It’s not fair to other classrooms if we are loud in a common space. In being quiet we are showing others we respect their work time.

  2. Hugs and bubbles are fun for the children and show respect for other classes in the building. Make it fun: tell kids to put a red bubble in their mouth, or a blue butterfly in a bubble in your mouth, hug your pretend teddy bear as you walk to your next destination.

  3. We use it daily at our preschool and feel it is a good teaching tool to help children stay quiet and respect others nearby.

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