Preparing for Back to School: Art Therapy Masks for Kids
In-School Mask Requirements
Asking our kids to wear a mask to school all day is causing a lot of distress. “I don’t like it,” “It’s not comfy,” we’ve heard it all! The truth is that our kids are living a major part of history and they are anxious. We are anxious. Wearing these masks can cause various types of anxiety that manifest in different ways, but their health is always number 1. We must help our kids find relief from their anxiety as much as we can. It is not my place to tell you if your child should or should not wear a mask. I am here to share an art therapy directive that I have been using with kids to help ease their anxiety while finding some enjoyment with the masks. PLUS, with this, they will always know which mask is theirs!
You can’t mask how cute she is! This little Gem created an adorable, joyful, and extremely fashionable rainbow mask to match her outfit! Look how playful and happy she is—even when her smile is hidden.
Some Questions to Ask
How is my kid/client experiencing anxiety? How is the family structure experiencing anxiety? Have them create a drawing of what they are “nervous” about. This will help understand the dynamics of the child's perspective and allow the facilitator to properly address accurate concerns.
Art Therapy Directive for Anxiety with Masks:
Materials: solid color masks, fabric markers
Introduction: This mask is going to be decorated to help us feel safe. Discuss and brainstorm together what kind of emotions would make us feel better while we are wearing our masks in school. By decorating our mask with this in mind, we are creating a tool that will help us while we are out wearing our masks.
Steps:
1. Kids identify the word/theme for their masks.
2. Use words and/or images to decorate the mask.
3. After the art process is complete, have the kids share their designs and why they chose the different details to create their masks.
Goals: Having fun! Providing an opportunity for the artist to recreate a fun experience with the mask, instead of being nervous or anxious to wear them. Encouraging them to take ownership of their artwork and find some enjoyment in wearing them.
Process
It is important to process and discuss what kind of emotion would help your kids feel better while outside wearing their masks. As the person facilitating this, you’re allowing yourself and the kids to define and identify what they will need in these situations. The art portion of this project allows the artist to create a different type of relationship with the mask. They have control over how the mask will look, giving it meaning, while creating an enjoyable experience. The protective nature of the mask makes it a type of transitional object that can help decrease anxiety during these times when we have limited control. Through the power of art intervention, we can creatively adapt our environment into the space we need and want.
The art therapy directive can be adjusted to meet your needs. If the discussion and processing are too advanced for your kiddo, this is still a great activity. Having a fun arts-and-crafts day to decorate the masks will still be therapeutic and beneficial for your kids, as well as a great way to open a discussion of what they can expect when school begins.
Send us pictures of your decorated masks, we would love to see them!!!