Awareness of Students with Diverse Learning Needs,
What the Teacher Needs to Know, Volume 1

Classroom Strategies

• Parents should inform all relevant school personnel of the student's condition.
• Meet with the parents and the child as early in the school year as possible to determine the child's individual needs.
• Enlist the school nurse for training of staff on how to deal with emergencies.
• Prepare an action plan containing adequate information for each student with asthma: this should include specific information on the use of medications and their location, and specific steps for treatment when a child perceives that an attack is starting, e.g., use of a bronchodilator, relaxation techniques, use of peak flow meter.
• Your school physical therapist has expertise in chest conditions such as asthma and may be involved in therapy for the student.
• Be aware of the student who needs pre-exercise medication and give a reminder if necessary.
• Help the child lead as normal a life as possible - encourage participation in regular classroom activities or ensure exemption if in the child's best interest.
• Encourage the child to participate in exercise programs to improve physical fitness
• Explain to the class what asthma is and how it is treated. Support and understanding from peers will help overcome feelings of isolation, rejection or embarrassment.
• Inform parents of any asthmatic episodes.
• Encourage the child to take control of the asthma by using preventive measures to avoid a serious attack. It may be necessary at these times for the child to:
  • leave the class or gym quietly,
  • find a place to relax,
  • take additional medication as prescribed by a doctor, or
  • drink fluids.