An idea I used with my young nephew is a reward system. Keep the mask on while we're out and you can get a treat when you get home. The same can be applied in a classroom. Have a chart with all the students' names and if you see them without a mask on put a mark next to their name. Give them 3 strikes. If they can go the whole day with no strikes they can pick out candy or another treat at the end of the day. This will essentially bribe them to keep them on while also just getting them used to keeping the masks on all day. Also tell them that this mask thing isn't forever, but if it's gonna go away we all have to do our part.

On top of suggesting the danger, I think a reward system would be best. If the entire class can go their entire day wearing the mask, they all get a piece of halloween candy each at the end, or something similar. A small treat that would encourage them each day to wear them.

I would try to remind them on why we wear mask, emphasizing on how we wear them to not let others and ourselves get sick, as germs are 'icky' for the younger kids, or giveing a more in depth explanation on what germs are and how they can be bad for the older kids, so they have an idea on why we are wearing them. Another way would be to give out praises throughout the day on how well they are wearing their mask, and complimenting the students on their mask by saying how cool the designs on their masks are.

Students respond much better to positive reinforcement than they do negative reinforcement so it may be lucrative to instill a reward system in which students who wear their mask throughout the day are given liberty to have free time. Otherwise, if this comes off as discriminatory, then try making an experiment to show kids just how germs are passed and the importance of the mask. It can be nonhostile and educational.

If students forget, we always bring extra just in case, even if it is an excuse. A reward system depending on the age group is always a guarantee, whether it is food or pencils.

I believe the best route would be a reward system. If they keep their mask on, they can pick from the treasure box at the end of the day. IF their mask comes off, there will be a punishment system such as they miss out from recess, treasure box, play time, or whatever the kids do for fun.

I suggest you implement a reward system for students who properly wear their masks. This will encourage students to wear their masks at all times to ensure they receive a reward.

Reward system, five stickers on a chart can earn them a reward on Fridays

Using an reward system could work. For example you could do a point system wear everytime student takes off the mask they get one point. If they have a certain amount of points by the end of the week they don't get a chance to pick from the treasure chest reward box.

This is a very tricky thing to enforce, especially with the younger students who fidget more often and do not always like things on their face. I would recommend starting a class wide reward system and have a "mask-wearing star of the week" where the one student who did not need many reminders about their mask can have a star at their desk and pick something from the reward bin.

Show them the statistics of how masks can be effective and how not wearing one cannot.

The way I explained masks to students is that it keeps not only them safe, but those around them. Make it more a thing of compassion than of discipline. Also fit in breaks for students!

I think that a reward system would be beneficial. If they wear their mask during class, they can get points and collectively they can get a treat at the end of the week. Another thing I would suggest is that some students might not have the example of wearing masks at home, some parents may be against them or they choose not to wear it so the student begins to feel the same way.

One thing I thought of was a creative mask contest or just encouraging seeing who has the coolest mask. This may not work with older students, younger ones may enjoy it though.

with the younger kids I have found it near impossible. I teach them the basics of germs and why it's important, but with the older kids you can go into more of the severity of covid and help them understand how important it is.

Finding this is interesting because now I see students all the time wearing masks all the time, especially in the middle to high school levels.

Honestly, if they cannot obey the rules, after constant warnings and being told to where the masks by teachers, then disciplinary action should be taken, to ensure that the rules are met. Maybe writing students up on the first offense, then detention after the 2nd or 3rd.