Who implimented the "hands behind your back" and "bubble" in your mouth as a way to keep kids quite in halls?

I went to my son's school yesterday and was horrified to see the young kids with their hands behind thier backs, and they are to have a make believe "bubble" in thier mouths to keep them quite in the hallways. I totally understand the need to keep kids quite while in the halls but I am not comfortable with kids walking like convicts, and the "bubble" thing is a bit disturbing to see. I want to understand how to address this to the school board as I have asked a few parents and they too feel the way I do. One parent was actually a grandparent, who explained that she taught school and was told by her administration to impliment this. She too didn't agree with this policy or procedure. I was wondering if this is in other schools across this nation?

Parent Answers to "Who implimented the "hands behind your back" and "bubble" in your mouth as a way to keep kids quite in halls?"

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I think it has no basis for any good psychological philosophy. I think it can be disrespectful if the staff says it in a way that is disrespectful. Unfortunatly children are required to do everything in a large group which is counter to how we learn most effectively. Children learn self control by having oppertunities to use it. Adult seem to feel that if we tell children how to act they will know how to act. Just ask a teenage how effective that is. Chidren are restless because they are not engaged in interesting things to do. So we develope stupid little games to get children to comform. These games work for a awhile but as the children get used to them the game is less effectve and then behavior becomes a problem again. How about less large group activities and more effective small group movement. But that is not going to happen because it is not about the children it is about the adults who are in control

My children's school does this. Although it may remind you of convicts, it is disrespectful for kids to do this - it surely isn't "horrible." It is an inventive way to train the kids to walk quietly and calmly. They make it fun for the kids by having them imagine a "bubble" in their mouths. The need to discipline and reprimand is greatly reduced when this was put into practice at my kid's small private school. It is a really great idea that works well for both the kids and the students. My kids (age 4 and 6) don't get poked and pushed by others and they get into trouble themselves less often while in the hallways.

Delco Primary School in Pflugerville, Texas. I use to work at a school and we never did this so I was wanting some input.

What school is this in?

As a teacher and mother of an unruly little girl, I completely agree with teaching children how to control their bodies in a positive manner. It doesn't only keep everyone in the hallway safe but also keeps the children who are sitting in class from getting distracted. I agree with GracesMom if you haven't tried to move a group of 20 five year olds quietly you might change your mind.

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