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?"

View 8 answers: Newest-Oldest, Oldest-Newest
Display all answers

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.

I'd suggest you go work in the school with the little ones the entire day...not just a couple of hours...the WHOLE day. If you can come up with a better solution, I'm sure the administration would be glad to hear it.
My daughter just started kindergarten this August and they do the bubbles and duck tails thing. Personally, I prefer calm over chaos in the halls. When there's chaos, children get hurt. Catching a bubble and making a duck tail with their hands doesn't hurt anything or anybody. Children NEED boundaries and they learn some self control by these types of things. The teachers aren't trying to be hateful...they are trying to teach these children to follow direction so they can learn.
I began substituting this August and frankly, until actually being there all day, didn't understand why schools do some things they do. That's why I suggest you try it yourself. It's easy to be judgmental when you've never walked in someone else's footsteps.

1 2 Next >

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.

Local Q&A

Top cities

Los Angeles	Phoenix
Houston	San Diego
Chicago	Dallas
San Jose	San Antonio
New York	Miami

Browse questions about

Local Q&A is brand new! What do you think? Give us your feedback in our feedback forum.