Let’s talk masks…depending upon your child’s experience thus far with COVID-19, the back to school season may bring up many questions about mask-wearing. While there are many debates to this action, educating children about this behavior in an age-appropriate manner is important especially when thinking about the school setting, face to face instruction, and socializing again with peers. One way to help children, especially younger children, understand what a mask is and why it is important to wear it properly is through reading books or short stories.
Below are a few social stories that anyone can easily access to review and help guide the conversation with your child.
Wearing a Mask Social Story (available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese)
Motivators
When it comes to mask-wearing, washing hands, participating in virtual learning or really any other tasks that kids may not be super interested in, motivation tools can be a helpful tool to access.
Reward Charts can be a great visual for kids to help keep them focused on the task at hand and let them know what’s ahead.
My Choice Menu is a great reward and motivator chart that can be tailored for the individual child and includes different types of rewards such as Quality Time Rewards (think puzzle time with a parent), Choice (such as picking a favorite item for dinner), and Items (new sticker, coloring book, a snack to try, etc.)
More… Tips & Tricks for Moms who are living this, too.
A few other lived experience tidbits a few fellow child life specialist moms have shared…
Mute! For classes held in Google Meets the spacebar mutes the microphone. In some programs, Ctrl D does the same thing.
Fidget items are another item that can be useful for helping both little ones, as well as older kids, focus during virtual learning. Fidget spinners, play-doh, silly putty, or really a manipulative that’s safe can do the trick.
One mom also suggested changing up the seat and location for different sessions. Some are held in the kitchen while others times they participate in a different location or room or while sitting on the floor.
Visit our social media pages and let us know some things that you are doing!
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