Are Your Kids Wearing Masks Properly? Tips From Montclair Schools – Montclair, NJ Patch

MONTCLAIR, NJ — In Montclair, students will be required to wear face masks when they return to classrooms for in-person learning. But putting on a mask isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, especially if you’re a kid, local school officials say.

As part of his weekly coronavirus reopening update last week, Montclair School Superintendent Jonathan Ponds offered five tips to help young students adjust to mask-wearing amid the pandemic.

“When it comes to teaching your child how to effectively put on and take off a face mask, a few pointers can go a long way,” Ponds said.

Those steps include:

• Have your children wash their hands before they pick up their mask. This will prevent germs from getting on the mask and near your child’s eyes, nose and mouth.
• Once your children’s hands are clean, have them grab the mask by its ear loops or ties and put it on without touching the part that covers their mouth and nose. The mask should fit snugly.
• Some children may be tempted to play or fidget with their mask. Remind them that while they’re wearing a mask it’s important not to touch it. The outside of the mask could have germs on it.
• When it’s time for your children to take off their mask, have them use the ear loops or ties to remove it. Then, still holding the mask by its ear loops or ties, show them how to fold the mask in half with the inside parts touching each other and set it on a napkin or tissue to keep it clean.
• After the mask is off, remind your children to clean their hands.

Ponds suggested that parents and students check out the following video, which outlines the above tips.

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