When it comes to social distancing and mask protocols in schools, getting compliance from the youngest students may be one of the greatest challenges. Elementary students are often curious, restless and lack boundaries by nature, so discouraging them from touching other people or getting them to wear masks can be a hurdle.
But it can be done, expert say.
Ultimately, elementary students’ reactions — which will likely range from curiosity and restlessness to anxiety and fear — can be managed through straightforward communication at their comprehension level, role-play activities and exercises in recognizing emotions when half of a person’s face is obscured.
