While I am not thrilled with the idea of wearing a face mask for most of the teaching day, I understand the need for them right now if in-person teaching is to occur. Healthcare workers and many others have to wear them all day, so I know that I will have to get used to it.
As for the kids wearing face masks all day, I only hope that they will be given breaks from them throughout the day. I personally think it may be difficult for kids to keep face masks on for that long. That is my personal opinion. Here are the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines for student face masks:
- Schools should provide face covering breaks throughout the day. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet during these face covering breaks. Schools may allow students to remove face coverings when students are:
- Eating or drinking when spaced at least 6 feet apart;
- Seated at desks or assigned workspaces at least 6 feet apart;
- Engaged in any activity at least 6 feet apart (e.g., face covering breaks, recess, etc.); or
- When wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task.
That all being said, here is my teacher tip for face masks:
I am going to have the students bring in an extra face mask in a Ziploc bag with their name on it. I also am going to have an extra one on hand for myself. Here’s why: It’s gross to think about, but imagine sneezing in your mask. You know what can result from a sneeze! I wouldn’t want to wear a mask after sneezing in it for 6 or more hours. Therefore, this is why I am going to request that parents/guardians send in an extra mask when we return to school.
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