I remember reading an article in March from a doctor who hinted that the term “social distancing” would soon become very familiar in our vocabulary.  Today, I say the term “mask up” more than I say “hello”.

Now that I’ve been practicing as a School Psychologist during this pandemic for a few months, I wanted to share my experience with different types of tools I use:

First, the masks:

Kitsch masks are by far my favorite cloth ones.  I’m going to be honest, I clicked on a Facebook ad and got lucky!  I have others from Etsy, Target and homemade, and the thing I love about the Kitsch ones are the stretchy elastic around your ears.  Super comfy.

I actually don’t wear fabric masks to school often (my district provides disposable so I use those).  I find that the disposable ones are much easier to wear for longer periods of the day!

The next layer:

During testing, when I am administering the CTOPP, or a verbal learning subtest, I will use a clear mask or face shield.  I also use the  clear one for helping students read my facial expressions.  I tried several of the masks with the clear part in the middle, and they ALL fogged up, rendering their purpose, useless.

The face shield I use is this one.  Nothing fancy, and serves its purpose!

Tabletop:

A tabletop desk shield definitely provides me reassurance of an extra layer of protection.  I use it between myself and a student and between 2 students.  I’m not sure of the exact one I have, but it looks like the one above, which is perfect for putting a stimulus book underneath.

I shared on Instagram this awesome invention from a fellow school psych.  This flip cover is perfect for the (inevitable) days where I am testing back to back students and needing to sanitize things quickly between them.

Extras

I’ve found a few other things essential this year.   First, I’ve transitioned to having “official” work outfits that I rotate each week, and then change out of when I get home.  It makes things easier all around!

I attached a hand sanitizer case to my lanyard that is perfect for times when I’m not in my office.  I also have a Fitbit that I use just for work, for time and to use as a timer instead of my phone.

And those are my “go to” tools this year!  What are you using?