Helping Your Students Take Off Their Emotional Masks

Teachers and Educators, here’s a simple, 5-minute activity that lets students safely share what’s really going on—without pressure or awkwardness—and gives you tools to build a more connected, supportive classroom.

Create A Mask. Share your #1 picture and #6words

HOW IT WORKS

Just 3 simple steps:

  1. Invite students to create a mask (paper or digital).

  2. Collect or Submit to reveal patterns in the “Front” and “Back.”

  3. Connect through quick check-ins, restorative circles, or one-on-ones.

Teacher tip: Model it by making your own mask first. Vulnerability builds trust.

What teachers notice right away:

  • A real pulse on class well-being—beyond “I’m fine.”

  • Students finding words for their emotions.

  • Less conflict, more trust.

  • Ideas for quick interventions to prevent challenges from escalating.

Why it works in real classrooms:

  • Takes just 5 minutes to run—fits in any lesson plan.

  • Adaptable for upper elementary through high school.

  • Fits into SEL time, advisory, ELA, restorative circles, or counseling groups.

3 WAYS TO START

ANALOG (IN PERSON Method)

1) Download & Print Mask Cards (Paper)

Perfect for: First-time use, low-tech classrooms, sub plans.

  • Print a class set and have students write three words “On the Front” (what they show) and three “On the Back” (what they hide).

  • Collect the cards to see patterns and guide class conversations.

  • Pro Tip: When you’re ready, we can help you unlock deeper reporting from your stack of cards—no extra work for you.

DIGITAL (ONLINE METHOD)

3) Open a Free Educator Account (Unlock Reporting)

2) Create Digital Masks (No Sign-Up Needed)

Perfect for: Quick starts, Mobile / Smart Device Friendly

  • Students create masks anonymously online and can share them anonymously

  • See trends instantly without collecting paper.

  • When combined with the FREE reporting tools from your Educator Account, this can give you powerful reporting (by event, class, or workshop)

Perfect for: Teachers, counselors, SEL leaders, organizational leaders

  • Get dashboards for each class or workshop.

  • Track themes over time, export insights for MTSS/RTI, and share de-identified trends with your groups.

Why this matters

[Trusted by K–12 teachers, counselors, and SEL leaders • Powered by the Ever Forward Club’s #MillionMask Movement.]

Every student wears two masks: the one they show the world, and the one they keep inside.
That hidden mask often holds stress, anxiety, sadness, or feelings of disconnection. These can quietly impact focus, behavior, and learning—long before a student asks for help.

The solution: A simple, safe way to name what’s behind the mask.
The Schools Making Masks activity invites students to reflect and share what’s really happening—privately at first, and always at their own pace. You’ll walk away with a snapshot of your class’s emotional climate and practical next steps for connection.

RESULTS

With the Schools Making Masks activity, you’ll:

  • Get actionable emotional data in minutes.

  • Catch early warning signs before they turn into bigger issues.

  • Strengthen trust and relationships in your classroom.

  • Have a reusable SEL tool you can use all year long.

People all over the world can understand the concept of wearing a mask and working hard to Ignore those things in our lives that we don't let people see. There are many reasons for this.

These masks help us to gather a deeper understanding of people all over the world and to show how connected we really are when it comes to the masks we live in.

 

We’re engaging people from all over the world in self-reflection by Taking Off The Mask;

Ever Forward Club Style!

 

CONNECT WITH US, SHARE YOUR MASK

 

#MillionMaskMovement

 
 
 
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