WHAT KIDS NEED TO KNOW R—respect personal space. Respect the people around you by respecting their personal space. Some will want or need the six feet of separation; don't crowd them. People will have different levels of comfort. Pay attention and respect their wishes. You’ve heard the saying “sharing is caring?” Well… no one likes to share germs. So no sharing food, chapstick, water bottles, masks, or school supplies. If school supplies are to be shared, like pencils, pens, rulers, or scissors, they should be sanitized before sharing.
E—educate them on handwashing. Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. This is scientifically proven to be the best way of killing germs! If handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer and rub until dry.
S—sanitize your space. Teachers will help students learn to clean their desks and supplies.
P—protect by wearing your mask or shield You will need to cover any outgoing air when in close contact with others.
E—engage with others. Look them in the eyes and listen to them. Listening is harder when someone is wearing a mask that covers half their face, or behind a plastic shield. Keep a healthy distance but keep interacting and engaging with others.
C—cover your cough & sneeze. As I learned long ago, "whenever you have to cough or sneeze, remember to cover your mouth up, please." Also, don't forget to turn your body away from others when you cough or sneeze.
T—touch nothing extra. Help your child remember not to put their fingers in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Kids tend to touch a lot of things out of curiosity, as adults in their lives, we'll have to remind them often to keep their hands to them selves.
