Wearing Masks in the Montessori Environment

We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.

—Maria Montessori
To Educate the Human Potential, p. 6

As of August 4, 2020, more than half the countries in the world have mandated the use of face masks to help reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. (Which Countries Are Requiring Face Masks?) For Montessori schools that have returned to in-person learning, the international use of masks to help reduce the spread of disease has been a topic of discussion. From concerns over getting young children to wear masks, to teachers’ fears of limited non-verbal communication, mask wearing protocols can seem daunting if you are caught unprepared. 

One way of reducing your concerns and the concerns of your community is to think of how mask-wearing aligns with Montessori principles. As well, integrate mask-wearing into the daily routine and introduce related practical life activities to help your students feel comfortable wearing masks in the Montessori environment.