Parents have major concerns regarding their young children wearing masks in Early Childhood programs. I have to admit I was dismayed with Governor Wolfe’s mandate on July 8 that all children had to wear masks OUTSIDE as well as inside. As you know, the children and staff are outside most of the day, and I have agreed with CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics that fresh air and sunshine is healthy for everyone, especially young children. Parents had also agreed with that policy. I wondered how our young children would adjust to wearing masks all day long, especially outside. As you may know, I am a rule follower, regardless of my personal feelings and opinions, and of course complied with the mandate.
It took seven days...The SAME amount of time I had observed for the adjustment to indoor masks to take place. Yes, there was crying, fussing, whining and hands on faces continually during the first seven days. We offered mask breaks frequently; we encouraged. We determined early on we did not want the children to feel they had made a poor choice or that we were displeased with them. We said “I know it’s hard! Teachers think it’s hard too! We can do this!”; “ Let’s take a break! Come and sit over here and let’s get a drink of cold water!”, “Great! You have had your mask on half an hour!” etc. With lots of encouragement and support, (“fashion masks” helped too!), within seven days all children were used to their masks. No crying, fussing, whining...Everyone adjusted and happily engaged and focused on their work tasks and projects...(I may have had the hardest adjustment actually!)
The teachers and I do watch more carefully outside than ever before. It is harder to tell if a child is suffering with a heat related illness. Cold water is always available and we silently make the rounds to check on each child as they play outside, taking frequent breaks and even staying indoors as the heat index rises (it is checked hourly on hot days).
Children are amazing resilient and adjust to change SO much easier than adults. We are proud of our students, and the overwhelming support of parents, as we face so many changes on a daily basis...KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE AND HEALTHY IS ALWAYS MY MOST IMPORTANT JOB AND RESPONSIBILITY!
♥Ms. Connie
It took seven days...The SAME amount of time I had observed for the adjustment to indoor masks to take place. Yes, there was crying, fussing, whining and hands on faces continually during the first seven days. We offered mask breaks frequently; we encouraged. We determined early on we did not want the children to feel they had made a poor choice or that we were displeased with them. We said “I know it’s hard! Teachers think it’s hard too! We can do this!”; “ Let’s take a break! Come and sit over here and let’s get a drink of cold water!”, “Great! You have had your mask on half an hour!” etc. With lots of encouragement and support, (“fashion masks” helped too!), within seven days all children were used to their masks. No crying, fussing, whining...Everyone adjusted and happily engaged and focused on their work tasks and projects...(I may have had the hardest adjustment actually!)
The teachers and I do watch more carefully outside than ever before. It is harder to tell if a child is suffering with a heat related illness. Cold water is always available and we silently make the rounds to check on each child as they play outside, taking frequent breaks and even staying indoors as the heat index rises (it is checked hourly on hot days).
Children are amazing resilient and adjust to change SO much easier than adults. We are proud of our students, and the overwhelming support of parents, as we face so many changes on a daily basis...KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE AND HEALTHY IS ALWAYS MY MOST IMPORTANT JOB AND RESPONSIBILITY!
♥Ms. Connie
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