From
Date
04 December 2024
11647 [Asthma-2000x1125px.png]

Asthma and learning

Practical approaches to creating an asthma-friendly learning environment.

On this page:

Understanding asthma

The causes of asthma, use of medication, and how asthma affects learning.

Summary of important concepts:

Strategies for action

Four key strategies to create an asthma-friendly learning environment.

Recognise and respond to an asthma attack

Support children and young people with asthma by preparing, planning, and knowing what to do if their asthma gets worse.

11251 [Asthma-in-New-Zealand-Infographic.png]

In New Zealand one in seven children suffer from asthma. Learn as much as you can about the condition and the steps you can take to manage it.

Two suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Asthma attack symptoms

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  2. Asthma attack response

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

Review your policies and procedures

The school or ECE service policies and procedures assist everyone involved to make informed health and safety decisions. Regularly review your practices to identify areas for improvement and development. 

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Review your enrolment policies

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  2. Ask for asthma action plans

    Includes:

    • Resources
  3. Plan safe EOTC trips

    Includes:

    • Resources
  4. Review your medication policies

    Includes:

    • Resources

Three suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Provide professional learning

    Includes:

    • Resources
  2. Partner with whānau

    Includes:

    • Resources
  3. Plan effective transitions

    Includes:

    • Resources

Five suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Support participation

    Includes:

    • Resources
  2. Identify asthma triggers

    Includes:

    • Resources
  3. Plan safe trips and excursions

    Includes:

    • Resources
  4. Asthma awareness years 1-13

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  5. Asthma awareness early learning settings

    Includes:

    • Resources

Key resources

Website

Teachers' asthma toolkit

A free online tool with information about asthma, how asthma affects education, how asthma is treated, common triggers, and what to do in an asthma emergency. The toolbox is interactive, featuring video clips, animations, classroom resources, and child-friendly activities.

Publisher: Asthma + Respiratory Foundation, NZ

A toolkit for managing asthma in schools Otago University

A toolkit for managing asthma in schools

Read time: 32 min

This toolkit provides information on asthma, developing school policies, policy checklists, and creating supportive learning environments.

Publisher: Otago University

Website

Teachers' asthma toolkit: Classroom resources

Information on asthma triggers in the classroom.

Publisher: Asthma + Respiratory Foundation, NZ

Managing your childs asthma

Managing your child’s asthma

Read time: 31 min

Information for parents, whānau, and caregivers of children with asthma. It gives information on preventing an asthma attack and what to do when one takes place.

Publisher: Asthma + Respiratory Foundation, NZ

More options

Browse all guides

Top