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4 Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Wear Their Masks
- EI Editor Posted On Aug 18, 2020 | Learning Through Play
Kids and masks aren’t always a match made in heaven, but if your kids are heading back to school, they’ll need to get used to wearing a mask most of the day. Or maybe you just need help encouraging your little ones to keep their masks on long enough to get in and out of Target. Either way, we’ve got four fun ways to help your kids get comfortable wearing their masks, for safety’s sake!
With a bit of practice and a positive attitude, you can get your little one excited about sporting their super cool safety masks! Make it even easier with adorable kids' masks, available at Amazon.com featuring dinosaurs, tigers, sharks, puppies, kitties, foxes, and more! Sneaky Snacky Squirrel face mask designs are due in September 2020!
1. Get All Dolled Up!
If you’ve been saving fabric scraps or have an old t-shirt or pillowcase to sacrifice, their time has come! Follow this simple, printable pattern to create matching masks – one for your kiddo’s favorite doll or stuffed animal and one for your little one. Matching their favorite plush pals will encourage your kiddo to wear their mask – and keep it on.
Photo credit: https://www.todaysparent.com/
2. Set Them Up for Super Stardom!
Who doesn’t want to be a superhero? Talk to your kids about how wearing a mask helps them protect other members of their family, friends, and neighbors, just like a superhero. Have them draw their dream superhero costume, complete with a mask. Talk about where this superhero lives, what kinds of super scenarios they might get into, and what their catchphrase might be. Then put on your masks and act out your kiddo’s comic book dreams!
Photo credit: https://www.familiesonline.co.uk
3. Put on a Play!
Pretend play gives kids an opportunity to explore different roles and situations in a safe and comfortable way, so suit up in your animal masks! Come up with a crazy story together, then act it out together. You’ll have a great time AND you’ll help your kiddo get used to wearing a mask. We're loving the idea of this cute little storybook to further inspire creative play!
4. Model Good Mask Wearing Behavior!
Kids learn by copying – and they’re usually copying you! Be a good role model! Wear your mask whenever you leave the house and encourage your little one to do the same. Put them in charge of reminding everyone to put their masks on at the front door. Let your little one choose where to keep the masks at home and have them collect and store them when you come back.
Photo credit: https://kiowacountypress.net
]For more great ideas, check out this awesome article at The Genius of Play. It's thoughtfully written to help save the day by our very own, Product Design Manager, Janene Russell. Did we mention she's a super mom of 2, and elementary school teacher turned toy creator? ♥️
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Home's Cool Art Activity: Playfoam Baby Chick Pod https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=er_vXxmXQWI&feature=emb_logo Home's Cool! While we're all working from home, the parents, former teachers, and play experts at EI are sharing some of their favorite educational activities to help keep your family learning and growing. Check out this idea from Sahad Rivera Sonda, one of our Product Managers!Ages: 3–5Supplies:• Construction paper in various colors• Scissors• Marker• Tape• Playfoam Pod• Googly eyes
Procedure:1. Cut two yellow wings out of construction paper, then tape them to either side of the pod.2. Fold a sheet of orange construction paper in half and cut out a small triangle.3. Open the triangle and draw two smaller triangles on the inside, to make a beak.4. Add tape to the back of the beak and stick it to the center of the pod.5. Add googly eyes.6. Add a little note to the back and you’re done!
Sahad Rivera Sonda has dreamed of being a toy designer since she was a child in Mexico! Her passion for miniatures and other playful oddities (her collection includes everything from a plush churro to a miniature French fry) eventually led her to Otis College of Art and Design in California, where she obtained a degree in Toy Design. Sahad’s dreams came true when she landed a job with EI, designing the look and feel for many of our toys and games, including Playfoam Pals, Design & Drill and our plush line. READ MORE
Home's Cool Art Activity: Playfoam Easter Bunny Pod https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2xfU39aNVY&feature=emb_logo Home's Cool! While we're all working from home, the parents, former teachers, and play experts at EI are sharing some of their favorite educational activities to help keep your family learning and growing. Check out this idea from Sahad Rivera Sonda, one of our Product Managers!Ages: 3–5Supplies:• Construction paper in various colors• Scissors• Marker• Tape• Playfoam Pod• Googly eyes
Procedure:1. Cut two pink ears and 2 smaller yellow ears out of construction paper.2. Tape the smaller ears to the big ears.3. Add tape to the bottom of the ears, place them on the top of the Playfoam pod, and press to secure in place.4. Add googly eyes.5. Using a smudge-proof marker, draw a nose, mouth and whiskers right onto the front of the plastic pod.
6. Add a little note to the back and you’re done!
Sahad Rivera Sonda has dreamed of being a toy designer since she was a child in Mexico! Her passion for miniatures and other playful oddities (her collection includes everything from a plush churro to a miniature French fry) eventually led her to Otis College of Art and Design in California, where she obtained a degree in Toy Design. Sahad’s dreams came true when she landed a job with EI, designing the look and feel for many of our toys and games, including Playfoam Pals, Design & Drill and our plush line. READ MORE
