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TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Communicating With Parents
Modifying the Learning Environment
Late Effects of Cancer Treatments
Teachers and other staff members are able to provide multiple
supports for children returning to school during or after cancer treatments.
Since children spend a major portion of the day in school, teachers
are able to monitor the child's fatigue level and changes
in memory and attention. In addition, teachers are in the best position
to foster supportive and understanding peer relationships.
Communicating With Parents
It is important for teachers to have open lines of communication
with the child's parents and speak frequently about the child's
school reentry experience. Phone calls and e-mails are particularly
helpful for both parties to share information and ask questions.
Meetings can be vital in addressing a new problem, whether it is
medical, behavioral, or academic in nature. It may also help to
keep a daily log to note the successes and challenges the child
encounters during the reentry period.
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Modifying the Learning Environment
Below are some simple steps teachers can follow to help the returning
child catch up with his or her schoolwork and perform at his or
her usual level in lessons:
- Waive absence and tardiness penalties. Try to find out in advance,
if possible, when the child will be out of school by talking with
the child or his or her parents.
- If the child has lost hair due to treatments, allow
him or her to wear a hat, if desired.
- Allow the child to keep snacks and water in class
since some treatments can diminish appetite. It is important
for the child to stay well nourished.
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- Prepare a list of assignments for the child. Prioritize
the list so the child knows what he or she will need to complete
before moving on to new material with the rest of the class.
- Make a study group or ask students to be study partners
with the child to help him or her catch up on missed schoolwork.
These students could also take homework to the child's
house when he or she is out of school.
- Provide a resting place in the classroom, such as
a beanbag chair, that the child can use if he or she gets tired
during the day.
- Reduce homework assignments if the child is too fatigued
and unable to complete them. Talk with the child's parents
to make a plan for completing homework.
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- Allow the child to take tests untimed.
- Incorporate multi-sensory lessons or provide books
on tape to stimulate different areas of the brain. This can
allow children to compensate if their ability to learn through
visual information has been altered due to the cancer or treatments.
If you notice any changes (deficits
or gains) in the child's academic performance, behavior,
or social skills, inform the child's parents.
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Late Effects of Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments are powerful and can cause side effects that
may affect cognitive processes, such as thinking, concentrating,
paying attention, and learning new information. These are sometimes
referred to as late effects of cancer treatments. In some cases,
these late effects may be felt years after treatments have stopped.
Below are some strategies you can use in the classroom if a
student is experiencing any cognitive late effects due to cancer
treatments.
- Create a seating chart and put the child in the front
row near you. Children with cognitive late effects can be easily
distracted, so you will want to be the focus of the child's
attention.
- Because cognitive late effects can create problems
with concentration, you may need to redirect the child back
to the topic at hand if his or her attention wanders. Create
an environment where the child can feel comfortable asking questions
if he or she feels lost in class, and encourage this behavior.
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- Reinforce learning by providing information and directions
in small portions in both written and verbal formats. Children
may become overwhelmed and lose concentration if they read or
hear too much information at once.
- Children with cognitive late effects may not notice their mistakes.
Encourage them to adopt the habit of re-checking their own work.
Bear in mind that these changes
in skill levels and learning styles can be frustrating for the
teacher as well as the child. It is important to encourage
children not to be too hard on themselves and to remind yourself
to be patient, too. Praise the child when he or she succeeds
or overcomes challenges.
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