Why Lining Up Is Good for Students (and Schools)

By Laura Mooiman

Recently, I was visiting an elementary school just as recess was ending. The bell rang, but the transition back to class was anything but smooth. Some kids wandered slowly toward their line-up area, others dashed straight into classrooms, and a few just kept playing, ignoring the bell altogether.

The kids in line waited and waited for their teachers to show up, but soon grew restless and began pushing and shoving each other. Several students simply gave up and sat down, while others drifted back toward the playground. The supervision staff made repeated attempts to restore order, but their efforts were in vain until the teachers finally arrived.

Laura Mooiman

Laura Mooiman, LCSW, is an international education consultant, speaker, and creator of Restorative PBIS™, a trademarked framework that integrates Restorative Practices, PBIS, and MTSS to improve school culture and student behavior. With over 25 years of experience as a school social worker and district administrator, she has supported more than 600 schools across 22 countries and has been honored with two U.S. Congressional Recognitions for Outstanding Service to the Community.