There is a different feeling in our classroom this week. On Monday, half of my students arrived without masks. You could tell they felt a bit strange about it, even the ones whose mask spent more time on their chin than over their nose and mouth. One student looked at me and announced, ”This feels unnatural”. I have to admit, that was difficult to hear.
As the week went on, I noticed the students who are often quiet, had more to say. There seemed to be more energy than usual in the room. There were more smiles.
I hope as the days go on, more kids will feel comfortable removing their masks and sharing their smiles again. Until then, we are respecting the choice. We are working together, side by side, masked and unmasked.