Mask practice
The CDC is suggesting children continue to wear masks at school for the 2022–2023 school year, so work with your child to practice wearing a mask as well as practicing putting on and taking off a mask without touching the cloth. Plan where to place it during snack or lunch, such as a labeled resealable container or disposable paper bag. Discuss why wearing a cloth face covering protects other people from getting sick.
Meal time
Serve a snack or lunch where they have to wash or sanitize their hands, remove their mask, and place it somewhere safe and clean. Consider asking the following questions: “How can we take off our masks without touching the fabric?” “Where can we put our mask somewhere safe?”
Remind your child not to share food with friends, even if that's been a fun part of lunch or snack time at school in the past. Explain that each child should only eat the food they've brought or received from the school.
Rule following
Explore how your child might see someone without a face covering, so your child is prepared if they witness someone “breaking the rule.” Explain what they might do in the following situations: “Your friend wants to hug you. What can you nicely say to help keep germs away?” “If your mask feels itchy or uncomfortable, what can you do?”
Other role play
Try working through different scenarios: “You’re so excited to see your friend! How can you say hi or show how happy you are without touching?”
Pretend it’s after school and they’re coming into the house with their backpack, art projects, jacket, etc. “Can you show me where we put our things?” “How do we wash our hands?”