My 2nd grader’s teacher intends to mask all year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

Nobody needs to justify anything. I don't mask, nor do my kids, and we haven't for a long time. I don't care what you think about that one way or the other.

Are you one saying that it causes delays in children? If so, then you are trying to justify.
The comment was specific to that scenario.
It isn’t always about you.

[Anonymous]

Have you not heard the news OP? They are begging for special ed teachers. They are offering $5,000 hiring incentives and still can't get them in the classrooms. Go ahead and ask for your kid to be transferred to another room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

Nobody needs to justify anything. I don't mask, nor do my kids, and we haven't for a long time. I don't care what you think about that one way or the other.

Except this is a thread about a parent who thinks that their child should be removed from a classroom where a teacher is wearing a mask because of ....reasons

Except the PP is a sentence about "anti-maskers" in general, not the OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

What did you do this summer to address the speech delay and reading level?

The teacher has the right to mask. I would ask to switch, but ultimately it is your responsibility to address the issues. Be prepared to work with your child at home and if the school can't make the switch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're all being awful. OP has a right to be concerned about her child. She's not "blaming" the teacher for her son's speech delay, NOR is she suggesting the teacher shouldn't' have a right to make her own decision on masking. She's simply expressing her concern that it is having a negative impact on her child this year -- a child who was quite small when the pandemic first began and has likely struggled with schooling since 2020 with school closures, virtual education, constant stoppages and quarantines, etc. OP, if your son has an IEP I would see if you can switch classes -- making clear that you respect this teacher's wish to remain masked, but that it will have a negative impact on your son's speech and language development.

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to understand that both the OP AND the teacher could BOTH have legitimate viewpoints, and that neither one is 'wrong' -- but that the situation isn't optimal for both of them right now.

There are lots of valid reasons for a child to switch classes I don't think a teacher's choice to wear a mask is one of them. If I were the principal and got such a request I would be rolling my eyes at this parent. And what if the child's special education teacher or speech therapist or other staff in the building are wearing masks?

If my kid had a speech delay and the SLP insisted on a mask, then I would be equally concerned. I'd be totally fine advocating for my child in that scenario, don't care about eye rolling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're all being awful. OP has a right to be concerned about her child. She's not "blaming" the teacher for her son's speech delay, NOR is she suggesting the teacher shouldn't' have a right to make her own decision on masking. She's simply expressing her concern that it is having a negative impact on her child this year -- a child who was quite small when the pandemic first began and has likely struggled with schooling since 2020 with school closures, virtual education, constant stoppages and quarantines, etc. OP, if your son has an IEP I would see if you can switch classes -- making clear that you respect this teacher's wish to remain masked, but that it will have a negative impact on your son's speech and language development.

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to understand that both the OP AND the teacher could BOTH have legitimate viewpoints, and that neither one is 'wrong' -- but that the situation isn't optimal for both of them right now.

There are lots of valid reasons for a child to switch classes I don't think a teacher's choice to wear a mask is one of them. If I were the principal and got such a request I would be rolling my eyes at this parent. And what if the child's special education teacher or speech therapist or other staff in the building are wearing masks?

If my kid had a speech delay and the SLP insisted on a mask, then I would be equally concerned. I'd be totally fine advocating for my child in that scenario, don't care about eye rolling.

Given that most schools only have one speech language pathologist refusing services based on mask choice would be a bit of a challenge

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And, how is this an issue? Its better they mask vs. be out for a week or two sick and make their family sick. If your child has a speech disorder, get them private therapy and an IEP. MCPS is offering free tutoring again this year so take advantage of it.

Its none of your business why they choose to mask. But, good for them.

How could it NOT be an issue?? All the other 2nd grade teachers were unmasked at open house today… I felt a bit jealous.

Then ask for a teacher change. And, get your child a good evaluation for the speech and reading and private speech and reading support.

Absolutely ask for a teacher change on the basis of equal access for your child who needs to his teacher's mouth. My dear friend who is a K teacher in DCPS said she cried with joy when she was finally allowed to unmask and could witness first hand how the children would watch her mouth so closely when working to read and make correct letter sounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

What did you do this summer to address the speech delay and reading level?

The teacher has the right to mask. I would ask to switch, but ultimately it is your responsibility to address the issues. Be prepared to work with your child at home and if the school can't make the switch.

OP refuses to answer this but its also surprising they are calling it a delay in 2nd grade which makes me question what is really going on. Once you hit ES, it turns into a disorder, not a delay.

This parent sounds in denial that their child has more serious special needs, needs a full educational and language evaluation and private services. MCPS pays for reading tutors, so cost cannot be an excuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're all being awful. OP has a right to be concerned about her child. She's not "blaming" the teacher for her son's speech delay, NOR is she suggesting the teacher shouldn't' have a right to make her own decision on masking. She's simply expressing her concern that it is having a negative impact on her child this year -- a child who was quite small when the pandemic first began and has likely struggled with schooling since 2020 with school closures, virtual education, constant stoppages and quarantines, etc. OP, if your son has an IEP I would see if you can switch classes -- making clear that you respect this teacher's wish to remain masked, but that it will have a negative impact on your son's speech and language development.

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to understand that both the OP AND the teacher could BOTH have legitimate viewpoints, and that neither one is 'wrong' -- but that the situation isn't optimal for both of them right now.

There are lots of valid reasons for a child to switch classes I don't think a teacher's choice to wear a mask is one of them. If I were the principal and got such a request I would be rolling my eyes at this parent. And what if the child's special education teacher or speech therapist or other staff in the building are wearing masks?

If my kid had a speech delay and the SLP insisted on a mask, then I would be equally concerned. I'd be totally fine advocating for my child in that scenario, don't care about eye rolling.

Given that most schools only have one speech language pathologist refusing services based on mask choice would be a bit of a challenge

Most kids also only get 30-60 minutes a week of group speech therapy. If this child is having this many issues, 30 minutes of group speech is not adequate so is OP getting outside help or just complaining/blaming?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

Have you tried posting this to AAP's twitter? The narrative they are pushing is irresponsible but I wonder if no one there can be bothered to do basic research.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

Have you tried posting this to AAP's twitter? The narrative they are pushing is irresponsible but I wonder if no one there can be bothered to do basic research.

The AAP has proven itself to be nothing more than a propaganda machine. They have really embarrassed themselves with these last tweets.

Agree though that OP should probably not stress right now about the teacher wearing a mask and focus on getting their child the specific supports they need. At the end of the day it's just not reasonable right now to ask a teacher not to wear a mask. And asking to change classes just because of the mask doesn't strike me as reasonable or wise. What if she's great and the other classroom's teacher is not so great?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

What did you do this summer to address the speech delay and reading level?

The teacher has the right to mask. I would ask to switch, but ultimately it is your responsibility to address the issues. Be prepared to work with your child at home and if the school can't make the switch.

OP refuses to answer this but its also surprising they are calling it a delay in 2nd grade which makes me question what is really going on. Once you hit ES, it turns into a disorder, not a delay.

This parent sounds in denial that their child has more serious special needs, needs a full educational and language evaluation and private services. MCPS pays for reading tutors, so cost cannot be an excuse.

If it is a disorder then even more crucial to get an unmasked teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're all being awful. OP has a right to be concerned about her child. She's not "blaming" the teacher for her son's speech delay, NOR is she suggesting the teacher shouldn't' have a right to make her own decision on masking. She's simply expressing her concern that it is having a negative impact on her child this year -- a child who was quite small when the pandemic first began and has likely struggled with schooling since 2020 with school closures, virtual education, constant stoppages and quarantines, etc. OP, if your son has an IEP I would see if you can switch classes -- making clear that you respect this teacher's wish to remain masked, but that it will have a negative impact on your son's speech and language development.

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to understand that both the OP AND the teacher could BOTH have legitimate viewpoints, and that neither one is 'wrong' -- but that the situation isn't optimal for both of them right now.

There are lots of valid reasons for a child to switch classes I don't think a teacher's choice to wear a mask is one of them. If I were the principal and got such a request I would be rolling my eyes at this parent. And what if the child's special education teacher or speech therapist or other staff in the building are wearing masks?

If my kid had a speech delay and the SLP insisted on a mask, then I would be equally concerned. I'd be totally fine advocating for my child in that scenario, don't care about eye rolling.

Given that most schools only have one speech language pathologist refusing services based on mask choice would be a bit of a challenge

Most kids also only get 30-60 minutes a week of group speech therapy. If this child is having this many issues, 30 minutes of group speech is not adequate so is OP getting outside help or just complaining/blaming?

You're actually making an argument for why the teacher also needs to be unmasked. For a child in general ed, a lot of the IEP depends on the teacher, not the specialists. Having 95% of instructional time with reduced effectiveness due to masks is a big big deal.

[Anonymous]

I have a child with a speech delay. It took us 6 months on the waitlist for our private pay evaluation, another month to start therapy. We pay out of pocket because they have not gotten the insurance permission yet. I nearly cried tears of joy when I met my son’s teachers this morning and they are both unmasked this year. He needs all the help he get. I understand and respect that some people need to be more careful due to their own personal circumstances but I do understand where you are coming from,OP. The biggest thing was letting him take the mask off himself (his speech has improved so much since the preschool went mask optional, even before we started therapy) but I can understand wanting children to have as much help as possible. It matters more for some kids than others; my older one is not affected by her teacher wearing a mask although it has been helpful for other reasons that she personally doesn’t have to wear one anymore.