With summer camp just around the corner, our  Junior Elementary teacher, Ms. Nicole, put together a blog post for us with face mask reviews for children.  Please note, CDC recommendations should be followed primarily, and the masks listed below are reviews from one parent to another. 
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Face protection is not going away anytime soon, but it shouldn’t be a scary or stressful thing. There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. No worries, I weeded it down to some of my family’s personal favorites and top-rated. During summer camp and in the fall, I plan to do a blend of face masks and face shields. I know my face and head will need a break from both at times, so having options throughout the day will be important, the same goes for your child.

Everyone can tolerate different things on their faces for various amounts of time. Face shields are a great alternative to masks if your child cannot tolerate a mask on their face. The most important quality of a mask for comfort is the material it is made from and the breathability. Additional features like ties vs loops and a nose wire are all hackable!

It's important to think ahead so your child had time to practice with their masks and shields, as well as shipping may be delayed due to increased demand before the school year. It may seem weird to think of your child in a mask or shield throughout the school day, but remember, once they see all their friends and teachers in face protection too, it will just become the norm. Children feed off the energy around them, so if you feel okay about it, so will they. Calming reassurance can go a long way when it comes to children and any obstacle.

Here is a list of personal favorites and top-rated masks and face shields:

Masks

1.  ONE-P - Thin and easily breathable, Chicago themes
2. Old Navy- Cotton, simple, lots of cute patterns
3. Athleta- Breathable, sports material, adjustable ear loops
4. Fleet Feet -Breathable, good for sports
5. Target- Mad Engine -Simple, cotton, no-frill

Face Shields

1. Ball cap face shield- Character designs, shield clips on and off, flexible plastic, room for glasses
2. Sun visor hat face shield- lightweight, UV protection, detachable shield, flexible plastic
3. Simple and straight forward design- Anti-fog, UV protection, visor rotates up and down, adjustable strap, able to be worn with glasses
4. Cute design face shields- for adults and children: (opt for one that the design doesn’t cover the mouth.)
5. Customizable kids face shield- Crystal clear view, scratch-resistant, foam band allow to be worn with glasses
6. Simple and Cute- Crystal Clear- sized for a 3-6-year-old
7. Velcro Closure visor - Medical grade polycarbonate, full cover, kid and adult sizes
8. Slide on face shield to the brim of your hat. Different sizes to choose from. Made of polycarbonate, anti-fog, stiffer plastic.
9. Clip-on face shield to the brim of your hat: Comes in a 5-pack, stiffer plastic
10. Visor- comes in different sizes, are fashionable, and the plastic visor zips on and off
11. Elastic Headband with baseball visor option- Clear, wide vision, lightweight, sturdy, fits over glasses

Mask Hacks and Tips

1. Tips to help from masks hurting your ears
2. Don’t dismiss a mask because it doesn’t have a nose wire. Create your own!
3. How to get your child to wear a mask
4.  How to Overcome Mask Anxiety

​- Nicole Cochrane, Junior Elementary Teacher

​Did you know that Alcuin Montessori has a new partnership with Rogers Park-based Redwood Literacy?  Beginning in the fall of 2020, Alcuin will expand its Montessori program to provide students with learning struggles the option to receive a specially tailored curriculum through Redwood Literacy right here in Oak Park.
 
This full-day, academic year program, for children in kindergarten through 8th grade, will feature Alcuin’s long-standing nationally recognized Montessori education, an educational curriculum with Wilson-certified teachers, as well as Alcuin-led enrichment such as art, Spanish, swimming, and theater allowing students to become fully immersed in the Alcuin community.

There are currently no programs in Oak Park, and the surrounding areas, that offer this opportunity to children with learning challenges. Seeing a demand that wasn’t being met, Alcuin and Redwood worked together to create a seamless collaboration.
 
Our Director of Admissions, Alejandra Valera, chatted with Kait Feriante, from Redwood Literacy, and put together an FAQ for those wanting to learn more about the program.