Note: This article contains affiliate links (hyperlinks, widgets, or through images), which means I receive compensation if you purchase a product through them. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and/or believe will add value to my readers. Visit my disclosure page for more information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way that teachers can interact with their students in the classroom. While teachers in the past could rely heavily on facial expressions to make their point to the students, this isn’t the case these days thanks to face coverings.
The use of face masks is imperative to slowing the spread of the virus, but they make it much harder for the children to get the full benefit of seeing the teacher’s face. Educators who are having to cope with this change are also responsible for helping the students to cope as well.
Plan to Speak Up
Having to use masks makes the voice sound a bit muffled. Teachers will have to speak up more than usual. Finding a way to do this without seeming too forceful will probably become a focus for many teachers.
You’ll also have to teach the children how to speak up so you can hear them when they’re speaking. This can be rather challenging for kids who’ve been told to “use their inside voice” for so long.
Some teachers might find science experiments that can help them show the students how face masks might muffle voices.
Choose Face Coverings with Clear Windows
Finding face coverings that have a clear window may be beneficial to many teachers. This is critical for anyone who works with students who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Other teachers might find them useful because they enable the students to see their facial expressions and read their lips.
Clear windows on a face mask might also benefit teachers of younger students. Face coverings might seem scary for some young children. The clear window enables them to see more of the teacher’s face, which might give them some added security and comfort.
Communication is more than a verbal exchange of words. Here are some tips to help teachers reduce communication barriers this semester while wearing a face mask. Click To TweetRemember to Use Body Language
Your body language can help children immensely. You can use things like a thumbs up or thumbs down to let the pupils know if they’re getting answers right or wrong.
You may also use signs that relay the message. When you’re doing this, you should ensure that you have the students’ attention.
As a bonus, these methods can encourage stronger concentration and attention to detail, which can help them later in life.
Consider Adding a Face Shield
Cloth face covers are among the best options for preventing the spread of droplets that might contain COVID-19. Face shields might provide some educators with a way to enunciate things or emphasize points to the students when the kids need to see the mouth.
While they aren’t something that you should rely on constantly throughout the school day, they may help you in those brief moments when you need to make your point.
Face covers for school are critical as long as COVID-19 is running rampant through the country. Educators may need to try to find the styles that are the most conducive to their classrooms. This can help make the children more comfortable, and it might help facilitate a better learning experience.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Helpful Tips to Stay Healthy and Fit For Moms With Busy Schedules