Belle Valley Elementary School issued the following announcement on Aug. 14.
School is right around the corner! As we prepare to come back to school we wanted to remind everyone to be a Superhero by wearing a mask every day. We have included some helpful tips and videos to prepare your children for the return to school. In order to promote mask wearing at school, snap a picture of your child wearing their mask and send it to your building guidance counselor.
TIPS TO HELP KIDS WEAR FACE MASKS
1. EXPLAIN IN SIMPLE TERMS WHY KIDS SHOULD WEAR THEM
Wearing a mask is an act of kindness. Just like we have taught you to sneeze into your elbow, we’re asking you to wear a mask to prevent germs from spreading. It’s telling others that you care about them and you’re trying your best to keep your germs to yourself. This is why everyone needs to wear one.
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FRUSTRATIONS
Kids are frustrated by how coronavirus has impacted their lives. It can be helpful to acknowledge this and normalize their feelings, especially when they may feel like this is another negative way that COVID-19 is affecting their normal way of life.
3. BEGIN PRACTICING WHEN THE TIMING IS RIGHT
The best time to first practice is when everyone is well-rested, well-fed, and in a pleasant mood! It will be easier for everyone to have a positive experience with the practice when they’re in the right mindset.
4. DO PRACTICE SESSIONS AT HOME
Allow them to touch it, sniff it, and hold it in their hands for an increasing amount of time to build skill and comfort (5, 10, 30 seconds for example). Then have them hold it to their mouth for 1, 2, 5, 10 seconds, progressing up to a minute or more. Keep a few masks handy for play. Kids can pretend to be a doctor or a nurse or teacher while wearing their mask.
5. STAY POSITIVE AND MAKE IT FUN!
Give them lots and lots of compliments for practicing and keeping the mask on for longer periods of time. Point out when your kids are keeping their hands away from the mask (instead of only commenting on when they are touching it). Once they’re more comfortable keeping it on, have them do fun things while wearing it. Do a silly dance, paint pictures, play their favorite games, or read their most-loved books. Practice putting masks on their toys, dolls, or stuffed animals. If they’re into superheroes, they may enjoy being called a “masked superhero” when they wear the facial covering. Distraction can really help them to ignore some of the yucky sensations that kids may feel when wearing it, such as the warm, wet breath and tightness around the face. You can also decorate your own mask using markers and stickers.
6. USE POSITIVE, CLEAR, POLITE COMMANDS AND BE CONSISTENT
It might take some practice to change how we give commands. Rather than saying “Stop touching your mask”, instead say, “Please keep your hands away from your face.” When setting limits say, “If you’d like to go with me to drop this off, you’ll need to wear a mask, please” instead of “You can’t go if you don’t wear your mask”. Replacing “NO, STOP, CAN’T or DON’T” statements with positive and active (“DO”) statements can make those desired behaviors more likely to happen!
7. PRACTICE WITH OTHERS
Set up a video chat with friends or family members to practice wearing masks together. It will help normalize wearing them as well as provide encouragement for people on both ends of the call. Kids also learn new things quickly from their friends (like using “potty talk”!) and practicing together can make it more fun.
8. PLAN TO TAKE BREAKS FOR RELAXATION AS NEEDED DURING PRACTICE SESSIONS
Allow your children to take breaks if they seem overwhelmed to make sure that practice is happening when they are calm. Your child may find it helpful to practice mind and body relaxation during these rehearsal sessions. Taking a quick break from wearing the mask can be helpful if it is getting uncomfortable. We want to be sure that your children are prepared that the mask will be put right back on for practice once they are more relaxed.
9. PROVIDE INCENTIVES WHEN NECESSARY
Many kids will simply need extra practice and encouragement to build comfort with this new behavior. However, if your children typically need incentives when trying something new, you can provide one here as well. Use approaches that have worked well in the past, such as sticker charts, picking favorite meals, and extra quality time playing and reading with a parent.
10. BE A ROLE MODEL
Parents can set a good example by practicing wearing masks too. The more positive, calm and easy-going we are about it, the more likely kids will be to follow our lead. It can be hard to see your child in a mask, especially at first, so breathe deep and give yourself grace that this can be hard for you, too.
Original source can be found here.
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