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

Classroom Strategies

• Meet with parents, the student and professionals in the community to help determine individual needs of the student.
• Ask the school nurse, or a doctor for information and assistance.
• Develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) specific to the student's needs.
• Keep in touch on new medication and possible side effects, on moods and personality changes.
• Be aware that a student may sometimes be regulating medication levels and may be experiencing varying side effects (e.g., alertness, concentration, physical discomfort) during this regulation. It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the school of these and any other changes.
• Talk with the student about whether s/he wishes to discuss his/her illness in the classroom. The student may not wish to be seen as "different" by either peers or teachers.
• Allow the child to leave the classroom as needed in an independent manner without drawing attention to themselves.
• Be aware and accepting that your student may be late for class, since diarrhea and cramps tend to be worse in the early morning and after meals.
• Be sensitive to the emotional needs of the student who is adjusting to a change of lifestyle (e.g., anger, depression, disappointment).
• Young children may experience fear of examinations and invasive procedures. Adolescents may struggle over the issue of independence and responsibility for medications, as well as resentment of a condition that sets them apart from their peers.
• Help the student to stay organized and informed as to assignments and activities. Provide copies of instructions and expectations for assignments and provide extra help where necessary. Provided the student is not too ill, s/he can often do homework brought to her/him.
• Be flexible with tests and classwork. Periodic absences because of illness, hospitalization and clinic visits may be necessary.
• School trips, outings and long bus rides can present problems with washroom facilities. The student may have to miss these occasions especially during times of "flare-up."
• Limit or skip strenuous physical education programs. Suitable activities can be determined in consultation with the student's parents and the student.