Synopsis: Children's return to school during the pandemic can be, at best, an experience that will eventually prove to be insignificant. But it can also be an experience that will be repeated, causing concern and uneasiness, so children should be prepared to cope comfortably with such an experience. The importance of hand washing and the use of masks is presented as an effective form of protection, along with a clean school, which is also the best option for reducing health problems. The story, without dialogue, describes the present, a possible future and the appearance of a new virus. Fear of the appearance of a new virus and possible anxiety are reduced through breathing exercises and the concept of meditation is introduced as a mechanism to overcome uncertainty and prevent anxiety.

Juror comments: What is realized during the course of this animated film short, is that the viewer, whether a parent, a teacher or a child, is getting a first rate understanding about what COVID means to kids. From the very simple premise of mask wearing and hand washing, children that watch this film will integrate their disappointment with a sense of health and well being.

Back to School During the Pandemic starts showing elementary school kids in masks, counting the weeks and months to be mask-less again. The animated COVID-19 virus is shown are like little PacMans, troublesome bad guys trying to get into their masks.

The director, Marie Leiner, is a science researcher who has written and produced a number of health education shorts and has made this very relevant topic cute and fun to watch, which hopefully rallies kids to be careful. The final segment also teaches kids how to breathe to relieve their stress. So if, and when, they have to wear masks again, kids will still be able to be happy and curious about life’s lessons. There is no narration in this film. The groans, ooh’s and ah’s are the only sounds we hear. A toddler could understand this film, because the teacher teachers her lessons in incomprehensible mumbles, another cute idea. The music is appropriately timed with the ups and downs of the scenes and helps keep things moving. The animation is a bit stiff, but the content is important enough to quickly make that irrelevant. This short film could be enjoyed by any kindergarten or elementary school child.

The message of the film is that there are germs out there that we are fighting together and we’ll do so using science as our guide.

I give Back to School During the Pandemic 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 12. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!