Masking Up!
Outside School has been up and running since I was allowed to reopen during the pandemic in July, 2020. The children and I have had no problems wearing our masks during all sorts of activities, no matter the temperature. In fact, the children have consistently been far better at this than the adults around us. Thank you, Kids!!!
As schools have newly reopened, I realized that teachers in “traditional” classrooms have been in the dark about mask management. They’re leaving this important task behind in favor of attending to the stresses of “catching up” on curriculum. Health and safety are basic; if we don’t have those things we cannot function otherwise. You are accountable. If kids aren’t wearing their masks properly, you must coach them in how to do it. Your first job is to lead by example by wearing a mask and wearing it properly, then ensuring the children are, too. If children’s masks fit improperly to begin with, it is your responsibility to communicate that with families; no one else is going to.
In the beginning
There are some things to get used to!
Talk louder. Speaking with the diaphragm helps project the voice through the mask and get your message the distance it needs to go.
Body language. It helps to exaggerate a bit since we can’t see all of someone’s facial nuances.
Be clear. “No” and “stop” are basic and direct, and may be accompanied by holding a hand up to indicate “stop.” Our rule is that if anyone uses those words we must stop what we are doing and reassess the situation.
(The two tips above are great for helping those who don’t respond as well to facial or social cues, too, whether or not we’re in a mask wearing situation.)
Problems and solutions
Did you buy the mask last year? Get a new one. Your child has grown and it no longer fits.
If the masks falls below the chin, have them pick it up by using both hands at the side, not pinching at the front of the mouth where there is saliva. If this happens repeatedly, another size or style of mask is necessary.
One problem is if they’re too tall or too short for the height of the distance from the top of the bridge to the bottom of the chin. Another problem is if there’s too great a distance from the front of the face to the back of the ears. It’s going to take some trial and error at home to ensure comfort and a great fit.
Not used to talking with the mask on? You’ll get used to it. Do not pull it away from your face because that allows droplets in and out, and you’ll be touching saliva on the front. Talk louder and get used to the feel.
If you find yourself or a child frustrated by constant reminders, be sure to let them know that they have the power to pay attention to themselves and to self-correct as necessary. The burden is not entirely yours!
Tips and Tricks: Examples
Kids don’t wear masks in the same way as adults. They’re generally more active and louder, and need a mask that will stay on their active faces.
This style has a seam at the nose in addition to the bendable metal bar, and another seam at the chin. See how snugly it fits? This style had ear straps; the chin strap you see is for the hat. Plus, this child loved being “Kitty!”
Many children wore this style, but it was difficult to stay put above their noses unless they fit very precisely. Two different brands of the same style of mask are below. On the first, it’s too tall and you can see the saliva and dirt that’s gathered over the mouth. The second one is too short between the nose and ears, so it stretches uncomfortably.
This looks a little awkward, but this homemade mask has all the features of the store-bought one in the first example and it was fairly comfortable for the child.
Here’s a resource from the California Department of Public Health, “Get the Most Out of Masking”:
Go get it, Coach!!!
By Heather Taylor, teachoutside@gmail.com. You are welcome to share all materials with credit to her.