Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HEC101V
Semesters 1 & 2
Department of Early Childhood Education
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT WITH THESE REVISION QUESTIONS ................. 52
LIST OF SOURCES.................................................................................................................... 56
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HEC101V/501
Dear Student
COURSE OVERVIEW
Welcome to Health Education (HEC101V). I trust that you will find this module interesting and
of practical use in your teaching career.
Please note that this module was consolidated in 2006 to replace two previous modules,
PRS3019 and PST403P, and is thus now also applicable for the BEd (ECD) and the BEd
(Intermediate and Senior Phase) programmes. This means that some of the information in study
unit 1 will be a repetition of that in the BEd (ECD) module PRS1023.
As mentioned in Tutorial Letter 101/2016, there is no study guide for Health Education; you will
be guided through this module by tutorial letters. Tutorial letters in the 500-series take the place
of a study guide.
PRESCRIBED BOOK
Please remember that it is essential that you study the prescribed book because it forms the
core of this module:
Please use the study units as guidelines for the main topics that will be included in the
examination.
Remember too that the assignments and any additional information given in other tutorial letters
during the year are important content for this course. The information and comments about the
various study units given in these tutorial letters are useless without the prescribed book.
STUDY UNIT 1:
STUDY UNIT 2:
STUDY UNIT 3:
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of this study unit is to help you think about and understand the
ways in which you can improve and maintain the health of children and adults
in the ECD centre or primary school through health promotion and health
education.
After studying this unit, you should be able to
explain how the quality of the health, safety and/or nutritional status of
the young child is interrelated
3.1
What is health?
The United Nations World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical,
mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity (WHO
1947:3).
This means that one can maintain health by caring for ones own health and the health of others
and by making positive health decisions. This also has to do with ensuring a healthy
environment, as this will help create the conditions that will allow all members of society the
opportunity to attain optimum health.
The WHO definition clearly stresses health, and not illness. Furthermore, this definition states
that health does not depend on physical wellbeing alone and that the physical aspect of health,
although important, should not be viewed in isolation. However, a persons physical health can,
to a greater or lesser extent, influence all aspects of development.
Hoyman (1975:514) describes health as existing on a continuum, ranging from optimal health to
death. For various reasons our state of health fluctuates constantly along this wellness
continuum because it is impossible to be in a state of total physical, environmental, economic,
social and mental health all the time.
In your opinion, how does the wellness continuum differ from the definition of
health given by the World Health Organization?
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3.2
On 16 June 1995, South Africa signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child, of which 171 countries now form part. This convention upholds the basic rights that
should apply to all children so that they can live and develop safely and be protected from harm
and exploitation without any discrimination. South Africa has since entrenched these childrens
rights into section 28 of the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution. This requires suitable
measures to be taken in order to provide for the best interests of children, especially with regard
to basic nutrition, shelter, health care and social services (Initial Country Report, South Africa
1997:8, 16).
An important basic right is the childs right to survive, which encompasses the right to life and
the right to health and health care. What this means is that each child should have access to
health care through primary health care services in order to prevent disease and malnutrition.
Another basic health-related right is the childs right to be protected against abuse and neglect
by parents or other caregivers (National Childrens Rights Committee).
3.3
According to Kibel and Wagstaff (1991), children differ from adults in that children are growing
and developing and are dependent on others for sustenance and protection. To grow optimally
children need ... adequate nutrition, protection from the environment and an emotionally
nurturing family setting (Kibel & Wagstaff 1991:2).
The early years of life are critical for growth and development. It is during this period that
neurological (brain and nervous system) and muscular growth and development occur most
rapidly and these are all factors that will determine, to a large extent, the childs future
intellectual and physical skills.
The state of a persons health is determined by a variety of factors which interact with each
other and this means that it is possible for an individuals health status to change continually
for better or for worse. From the time of conception a number of factors may influence health at
various times. Some of these earliest influences are the following:
Prenatal factors (affecting the developing foetus from the time of conception until birth),
which include genetic conditions, infections in pregnancy, poor nutrition of the pregnant
mother, certain medication taken during pregnancy, alcohol consumption, drug abuse or
smoking while pregnant, exposure to radioactivity, the age of the mother (very young or
over 40 years) as well as prematurity of the baby.
Perinatal factors (around the time of birth), which include problems such as a lack of
oxygen to the baby during the birth process, birth injuries, rhesus incompatibility or
haemorrhage.
Postnatal factors (after birth), which could include damage to the central nervous
system as a result of infections, injury, poisoning, lack of oxygen or metabolic
disturbances.
Heredity
Heredity determines what you can become (in other words what your maximum potential is) and
the child receives this from his/her parents at the time of conception.
There are many genetic disorders that may cause abnormal conditions in the child and these
can result in intellectual impairment and/or physical handicap (e.g. Downs syndrome, porphyria
or haemophilia). The following explanation is a very basic explanation of the hereditary basis of
life:
The nucleus of each of the cells in the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes (i.e.
each cell contains 46 chromosomes) except for the reproductive cell which only contains 23
chromosomes. After conception the cells of the new embryo contain 23 pairs of chromosomes,
one of the pair comes from the mother and one from the father.
The chromosomes are threadlike structures containing thousands of genes. The development,
structure and functioning of every human depends on the genes received from both parents,
which will determine physical attributes such as eye and hair colour, body shape and the like. In
each pair of genes, one comes from the mother and the other from the father.
Some of the genes may be abnormal probably every one of us has some abnormal genes.
Fortunately the normal gene for a specific body attribute usually dominates the abnormal gene.
Very seldom do both parents have the same abnormal gene and so transmit it to the child.
Birth defects and genetic diseases can result from abnormal chromosomes, abnormal cell
division or from the interaction of many genes with the environment. A person may inherit the
genetic predisposition for a particular disease which will only become evident if specific
environmental influences occur (this is multifactoral inheritance). Some examples of
multifactorial defects include diabetes, cleft lip and cleft palate, club foot, asthma and spina
bifida.
Many of the major killer diseases in the developed world have a genetic component and are
suspected of being multifactorial in origin. This is one reason why it is important for effective
health education to begin at an early age.
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Environment
In 1994 the National Childrens Rights Committee (NCRC) stated that
... for the majority of South Africans who live in depressed rural areas or in overcrowded
townships and informal settlements, the environment is one which is unsafe and
unhealthy, is devoid of basic amenities and recreational facilities and where open spaces
are filled with litter rather than trees and parks.
The most important factors in the environment that contribute to disease, disability and death in
South Africa are the following (NCRC, 1994; Von Schirnding, 1995):
a lack of sewers, drains and services for disposing of solid and liquid waste
insufficient safe and clean fuels for domestic cooking and heating, which means that
expensive and often unhealthy fuels are used (coal, paraffin and wood) which cause
pollution, as well as health problems for infants and children
Approximately 60% of South African households have no access to
electricity.
poor control of workplace environments, in both the formal and informal sectors, leading
to chemical and biological contamination of land, air, water and food resources which
result in unacceptable levels of pollution
In South Africa today many of the environmental health issues revolve around poverty.
People who are disadvantaged by poverty are the most vulnerable to disease and are
the least able to access the available health resources.
Von Schirnding (1995) maintains that
... the urban poor in South Africa, being simultaneously exposed to a myriad of
agents of environmental diseases, will suffer increasingly from the worst of
both first and third worlds, and being frequently nutritionally deprived, are the
most vulnerable to the effects of these diseases.
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Development
Poverty and low socioeconomic status caused by single-parent families, teenage parents,
unemployment, lack of education, rapid urbanisation and similar factors may also affect the
health of the child.
The Birth to Twenty Study (BTT) is a long-term research project undertaken by the University of
the Witwatersrand, which is studying 3 770 children born in the Johannesburg and Soweto
areas between 23 April 1990 and 8 June 1990. It was initiated to investigate the biological,
environmental, economic and psychosocial factors associated with the survival and health of
children living in an urban environment.
The report back on the initial findings stated that one of the most important factors influencing a
childs health is the level of education of the childs mother. It was found that each additional
year of schooling for a woman is associated with a 5 to 10% decrease in the under-five child
mortality rate (i.e. the number of children under the age of 5 who die in a specific period of time)
for any of her children under the age of five years.
The under-five child mortality rate among children of uneducated mothers is 80% higher than
among the children of mothers who have a Grade 10 education (Yach, Richter, Cameron, Von
Schirnding & De Wet, 1993).
The BTT study found the following to be true:
Women with higher levels of education make better use of antenatal and postnatal
services.
Their children are better nourished when compared to children of mothers with lower
education levels.
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If you read the above section again, as well as the relevant sections in the
prescribed book, you will probably agree that many of the factors mentioned that
damage peoples health is beyond their control. You will probably be able to
name other factors that also affect the health of the child. Make a mind map of all
these factors in the space below.
3.4
Changes in the childs physical health may also affect social, emotional and intellectual aspects
of the childs development. Some examples are given below:
Physical health and emotional development
There are many emotional reactions that might be caused by problems with physical health:
The ill child may be irritable and anxious and this could affect adaptation to school and
the development of peer relationships.
The hungry or poorly nourished child may be short-tempered and irritable and unable to
concentrate.
The obese child may become very self-conscious and withdrawn as a result of teasing
from friends.
The tired child who has had insufficient sleep may overreact at the slightest provocation.
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In addition, today children are sometimes socially ostracised because of chronic illnesses like
HIV/AIDS. Apart from the negative effects of social isolation, children who are discriminated
against in this way often develop a poor self-image.
Physical health and intellectual development
Children with health problems like haemophilia (i.e. severe bleeding and bruising because of the
inability of the blood to clot effectively) may be deprived of learning opportunities because their
physical mobility is restricted. Research has shown that a relationship exists between motor
skills and academic achievement (Gallahue, Werner & Luedke 1975:242). The young child who
is thus denied sufficient movement experiences owing to illness or immobility could be hindered
in later academic achievement. This lack of opportunity to use ones body is particularly
detrimental during the first few years of life when the child uses his/her body to explore the
world.
Some infections also affect the functioning of the brain and this can lead to decreased
intellectual function. For example, some children with HIV infection may have neurological and
learning problems resulting from the effects of the HI virus on the brain tissue.
Most teachers will agree that learners with almost any health problem from poor vision, a
common cold, and hunger or child abuse will not learn effectively.
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Social: ......................................................................................................................
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3.5
These two terms are often confused but, simply stated; health education is only one of the
strategies used for health promotion (Reddy & Tobias 1994:19. Health education is usually
defined as:
... the deliberate structuring of planned learning opportunities about health which are
aimed at voluntary changes in health-related behaviours to give individuals the opportunity
of achieving a more favourable position on the health continuum (Reddy & Tobias
1994:20).
Health education includes all of the following (Hubley 1994):
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Health promotion includes all of the following:
community participation
education
intersectoral collaboration
multidisciplinary teamwork
community development
Read pages 21 and 22 in your prescribed book on the goal of health education.
Can you briefly summarise in the space below what "prevention through
promotion" means?
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3.6
The development of healthy school policies that will assist the school community in
consistently addressing its health needs.
Access to appropriate services to address the health needs of the school community.
The development of personal skills of members of the school community, thus enabling
them to improve their own health and influence the healthy development of others.
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Find out what is being done to implement the National School Health policy in
your own school district/primary school.
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3.7
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There are a number of factors that make the teaching of health education topics difficult. This is
discussed in your prescribed book.
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3.8
Parents and other family members play an important formative role in health education
for children because of the care they give in the home environment and the example they
set their children. It is thus accepted that health education begins in the home and the
teacher must have a supportive relationship with the family in this respect (Morton &
Lloyd 1994:134).
The teacher is the primary health educator during school hours and can provide health
education for children, parents and other staff categories.
Other professionals such as those from the health or welfare field doctors, dentists,
nurses, dieticians, paramedical staff, social workers, psychologists and the like can
provide expert knowledge about health and related matters and should be called upon
when necessary.
Children are usually regarded as recipients of health education rather than as health
educators. However, in 1979, the Child-to-Child Programme was launched worldwide to
celebrate the International Year of the Child and this was one of the first times it was
recognised that ... children learn many things from each other and not only from adults
(Young 1987:155).
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This programme uses children to teach their siblings and other family members about
topics such as child care, accident prevention, nutrition and immunisation and is based
on the following three assumptions (Hubley, 1994):
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Education within a school and education outside of school should be linked so that
learning becomes integrated as a part of life.
Children have the will, skill, potential and motivation to help educate each other
and they may be trusted to do so.
Peer education becomes important towards the end of the Foundation Phase and throughout
the Intermediate and Senior Phase where information and modelling provided by the peer group
are often more acceptable to learners than that provided by adults.
Find out which organisations in your area produce educational material that
teachers can use for health education purposes. Do not forget to keep
health-related newspaper supplements.
Collect as many of these as you can and place them in a file as the start of
your own health resources collection.
Use the topics mentioned in the study units of this tutorial letter as
organisational themes for your resource collection.
3.9
Parent involvement in school matters and especially in the potentially sensitive issues that often
relate to health should be encouraged.
Schurr (1992) recommends the following ways in which parents can be included in the life of the
school:
Ask parents to share their stories or feelings about personal health issues.
Establish a school parent centre which can supply resources and serve as a meeting
place for staff and parents.
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Arrange weekend or evening information sessions so that parents know how to become
involved in the school.
Arrange for two to three parent-teacher contact sessions throughout the year.
Suggest that learners each have a parent/teacher notebook for communication purposes.
Can you think of any other good ideas that can be used to encourage
parental involvement?
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3.10 Criteria for determining appropriate learning experiences
According to Robertson (1998:449) and Bender and Sorochan (1997:6667), the following
criteria can be used to determine if the health, safety and nutrition curriculum is appropriate for
learners:
Y
e
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N
o
Is it flexible?
Does the learning experience impart both knowledge and healthrelated skills and attitudes?
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of this study unit is to help you think about the health education
curriculum for your particular phase.
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
identify health education topics that are suitable for the learner in either the
Foundation or the Intermediate and Senior Phase
plan suitable learning experiences, related to these topics for the learner in
either the Foundation or the Intermediate and Senior Phase
NB! For this study unit make sure that you know what information you would include on the
following topics when planning learning activities for Foundation or Intermediate Phase learners.
Please also remember that multiple-choice questions in the examination can come from any
chapter and may not be phase specific.
Study the following chapters in Weinstein and Rosen (2003):
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HEALTH PROMOTION
The learner is able to make informed decisions about personal, community and environmental
health.
We know this when the learner
GRADE R
explains the
importance of drinking
only clean water and
eating fresh food
GRADE 1
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
identifies nutritious
choices from a
range of commonly
available foods and
drinks
describes sources
of clean and
unclean water
and simple purification methods
explains steps to
ensure personal
hygiene and links
these steps to
environmental
health
suggests and
investigates
actions to make
the home and
school
environment
healthier
compares healthy
and poor dietary
habits and
describes the
effects of such
habits on
personal health
demonstrates
precautions against the
spread of
communicable
diseases
distinguishes
between situations
that are safe and
those that require
precautions against
communicable
diseases
identifies dangers
and appropriate
precautions on the
route to school
recognises
situations that may
be, or may lead to,
sexual abuse and
names a person to
whom this can be
reported
identifies
communicable
diseases and
explains
measures to
protect self and
others
identifies road
signs relevant to
pedestrians and
explains their
meaning
participates in a
recycling project
and explains how
recycling
contributes to
environmental
health
discusses myths
surrounding
communicable
diseases and the
causes and
prevention of
these
identifies relevant
people and their
contact details to
report cases of
accidents, abuse,
crime, fire, illness
and injury
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HEALTH PROMOTION:
The learner is able to make informed decisions regarding personal, community and
environmental health.
We know this when the learner
GRADE 4
explains childrens
health rights and
responsibilities, and
suggests ways in
which to apply these
in a familiar situation
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investigates menus
from various cultures
and suggests plans
for healthy meals
GRADE 5
GRADE 6
explains causes of
communicable diseases
(including HIV/AIDS) and
available cures and evaluates
prevention strategies in
relation to community norms
and personal values
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HEALTH PROMOTION
The learner is able to make informed decisions regarding personal, community and
environmental health.
We know this when the learner
GRADE 7
proposes ways
to improve the
nutritional value
of own personal
diet
evaluates
actions to address an
environmental
health problem
describes
strategies for
living with
disease,
including
HIV/AIDS
discusses the
personal
feelings,
community
norms, values
and social
pressures
associated with
sexuality
GRADE 8
demonstrates informed,
responsible decision
making about health and
safety
GRADE 9
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In these study units I have attempted to make you aware of how difficult it is to change peoples
health behaviour without the cooperation of all the stakeholders. Think about James Yens
words from the 1930s (Morley & Lovel 1986:202) as they describe the responsibilities of the
ideal health education teacher:
The special health topics which we will deal with in this unit are
hospitalisation
chronic illness
childhood stress
HIV/AIDS
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6.1
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of this section of the study unit is to help you think about and
understand the issues of child abuse and child neglect.
After studying this unit, you should be
able to explain the difference between the various categories of child abuse
and child neglect
able to explain the role of the teacher in terms of the abused and/or neglected
child and the abusive parent
able to explain the actions the teacher should take in a case of suspected
child abuse or neglect
The topic of child abuse is discussed under a variety of terms in the current literature. Some of
the most common are battered baby syndrome; child battering; child maltreatment; nonaccidental childhood injury and child abuse.
A useful definition of child maltreatment is given by Locke (1984:53). This definition states that
any interaction or lack of interaction between a child and his or her caregiver which results in
non-accidental harm to the childs physical and/or developmental state.
Study chapter 11 in Weinstein and Rosen (2003). ECD students can
supplement this information with chapter 11 of Marotz et al (2005).
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Can you think of any recent legislation in South Africa (or your own country) which
gives rights to children?
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increased reporting of child abuse and neglect owing to increased public awareness of
the problem
the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa which has resulted in the myth that sex with a
virgin will cure or prevent AIDS
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CLASSIFICATION OF CHILD MALTREATMENT
There are various common classifications of child abuse. Halperin (1979:2130) uses the
following classification:
physical abuse
physical neglect
emotional abuse
emotional neglect
sexual abuse
medical neglect
educational neglect
abandonment
multiple maltreatment
Please consult chapter 11 of your prescribed book for the categories of abuse and
indicate if you think this classification is compatible with that of Halperin, which is
listed above.
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The teacher should keep written records of all observations about suspected or actual
abuse.
Study this section in Marotz et al 2005 (pp 283 & 288) or 2001
(pp 261).
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Record the childs version of the event, in his/her own words, as soon as possible.
In the case of sexual abuse, the first report is important evidence. This is the
statement of the person to whom the child first reported the assault. If this first
report is given to the teacher, he/she should make a written note of it so that it can
be accurately recalled in the case of legal proceedings.
The teacher should report her suspicions to the principal of the school as well as to
a social worker, medical doctor, nurse or police officer so that a proper investigation
can be undertaken. The teacher should never confront the parents herself as this
could anger them, possibly increase the abuse and destroy the parentteacher
relationship.
?
Find out from a child welfare official or a police officer what
legislation exists in South Africa (or your own country) for the
compulsory reporting of child abuse.
Robertson (1989:383384) states that there are several critical things which a teacher
should provide to support and help an abused child so that the child develops a ... sense
of wellbeing to progress beyond the abuse.
These are:
o
trust
o
predictable routines
o
consistent behaviour
o
safe boundaries
o
confidence
o
good communication skills
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Can you think of a few ways in which you can implement each of these in your
classroom in order to provide support and help to a learner?
Trust
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Predictable routines
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Consistent behaviour
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Safe boundaries
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Confidence
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Good communication
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skills
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In addition to the information on this topic in Marotz et al (2005), the following practical
considerations should be remembered when dealing with children who have been abused or
neglected:
Provide an early snack for those children who come to school hungry.
Allow the child who has had insufficient sleep at home an extra rest period if necessary.
Provide enriched educational experiences for children who may be educationally
deprived.
Provide opportunities for children to care for plants and pets as this makes them feel
wanted and helps them to develop a caring attitude towards others.
Plan activities that encourage the development of self-help and self-care skills which no
one might have taught them at home. This can be done by allowing them to wash dishes,
bath dolls and so on, as well as during routine activities.
For younger learners provide opportunities for sensopathic activities (clay, water, mud,
finger-paint, play dough and the like) and for physical activity so that their feelings of
success and competence are enhanced and they are able to express their emotions in a
non-threatening manner.
Can you think of any other ways in which you can help learners who have
been abused? Refer also to chapter 8 of your prescribed book (dealing with
stress).
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Children should be taught that some parts of their bodies are private, for example,
those parts of the body covered by a swimming costume. They need to know that
no one has the right to touch these areas --- even when wearing clothing --except a teacher, parent or health professional who is helping with, or conducting,
a medical examination. They should also know that no one has the right to ask
them to touch these parts on another person.
good touches, like hugs, kisses and handshakes which make children feel
positive about themselves
It is recommended that the teacher use games and stories to constantly reinforce
prevention concepts by, for example, playing what if games which present a
hypothetical situation.
Helping parents
Teachers and schools should, over the long term, provide support for parents and
community education on appropriate child-rearing practices, discipline and the like, and
try to encourage the development of parent-support groups to prevent or counteract the
social isolation of some parents which could contribute to abuse.
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RAPCAN
(Resources Against Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect)
This is a Cape Town-based organisation that provides adult education on child
abuse. They have pamphlets available and offer courses on the topic.
They can be contacted at:
RAPCAN
Tel (021) 712 2330 Fax (021) 712 2365
Website: www.rapcan.org.za
e-mail: inforapcan.org.za
Restricting the use of materials that have an intrinsic interest for children, such as
water, mud, paint, woodwork and the like because they are too messy, too noisy
or too dangerous
Rapid staff turnover which prevents the young child from developing a secure and
stable relationship with a teacher.
Blaming certain children (whom the teacher dislikes) for behaviour that is
overlooked in a favourite child.
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Direct verbal attack, for example If you dont stop crying your mother wont come
and fetch you or How can you be so stupid? Yesterday was Monday, tomorrow is
Wednesday so what is today?
Physical coercion such as pulling, pushing or shaking a child (when hitting a child is
forbidden).
Take five minutes to think about what Paulson says regarding covert and
overt forms of preschool teacher maltreatment. Can you add anything to
this list from your own experience as a Foundation Phase or Intermediate
and Senior Phase teacher or student?
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6.2
Hospitalisation
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of this section of the study unit is to help you think about
and understand the ways in which the experience of illness and
hospitalisation may affect the younger child.
After studying this unit, you should be able to
discuss the various ways in which a child can be prepared for the
experience of hospitalisation
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THE EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF HOSPITALISATION ON THE YOUNG CHILD
Hospitalisation can be a very traumatic experience for the young child. American research
shows that 50% of all children under the age of seven will spend at least one night in hospital
(Lerwill 1983:4).
Children under the age of five are particularly susceptible to the stresses of hospitalisation
because of their developmental level and age.
Because very young children are more prone to illness they are more likely to require
hospitalisation at the exact time when they are least able to cope with it.
For Foundation Phase students: Can you think of two reasons why the young
child is more prone to illness during the first few years of life? (You can refer to
module PRS1023 if you need to jog your memory.)
(1)
......................................................................................................................
(2)
......................................................................................................................
According to Wolff (1981:63), illness is a universal cause of childhood stress which threatens a
childs emotional stability as a result of the unfamiliar experiences and persons to which he/she
is subjected.
Illness, regardless of the length of the hospital stay, causes anxiety because the child is forcibly
separated from family and friends. Additional factors, such as being subjected to pain, intrusive
procedures (e.g. injections) and the unpleasant side effects of medication and treatments,
contribute to the stress experienced by the child (Gibbons & Boren 1985:83).
Before the age of seven the child is developing rapidly and new intellectual, physical and
emotional abilities are developing. These include speech, locomotion, independence, symbolic
thought and autonomy and they are easily disrupted when the child is under stress.
Young childrens coping abilities are limited by their level of language and cognitive
development, as well as by their limited life experiences. According to Maccoby (1983:220),
specific events are less likely to cause stress to the child than changes in patterns of family
interaction and relationships caused by the events.
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Hospitalisation is not, however, the only life event that can cause significant stress for a child;
other stressful events are the death or illness of a parent or sibling, divorce, marital problems,
moving house, severe injury and specific school stressors such as bullying, excessive
competition, test anxiety, peer rejection and so on.
Read the section on mental health again in Marotz et al (2005:3741 or 2001:33
39).
Also study your prescribed book (ch 8 pp 275279) on other sources of childhood
stress specific to various grades.
The following factors have been found to affect the childs experience of hospitalisation (Orr
1992:6586):
Age
Research shows that the negative effects of hospitalisation appear to be the greatest for
children between the ages of seven months and four years (King & Ziegler 1981:22).
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AGE
Birth to 3 months
CHARACTERISTIC FEARS
Fear of sudden movement, loud noises and loss of support
(being dropped)
4 to 12 months
1 to 3 years
4 to 6 years
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AGE
CHILD RESPONSES
Birth to 6 months
of age
7 months to
4 years of age
4 years of age
and older
A phase of protest
During this phase the child is miserable, confused, angry and frightened of the strange
surroundings. The child will refuse all comfort by hospital staff because of the strong
conscious need for his or her mother. Gradually, as the child realises that his parents are
not returning, the outward intensity of his/her reactions decrease (this stage can last for
days or weeks).
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A phase of despair
During this time the child cries uninterruptedly and gradually becomes withdrawn and
apathetic. The child appears to be in a state of mourning for the parents whom the child
feels have abandoned him/her. When the parents visit, the child will cry pitifully when
they leave. The child will generally avoid interaction with other staff members during this
phase.
A phase of denial
This is when separation is repeated and prolonged. It will appear as if the child has
adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings and will interact with persons around him or her.
When parents visit, the child will show disinterest and little distress when they leave and
will appear to be more attached to hospital staff.
According to Rutter (1979:149151), not all children manifest the above three stages of
separation anxiety and many hover between the stages of protest and despair.
The outcome of the effect of separation depends upon many factors such as:
o
the age of the child at the time of hospitalisation
o
the quality of the motherchild relationship before hospitalisation
o
whether the separation is total or whether the parents maintain contact with the
child
o
whether it is an acute or chronic illness (i.e. the number of previous hospital
experiences and the degree of physical suffering)
o
the amount of appropriate preparation which has been given
o
the length of the hospital experience
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The factor of individual differences which will determine whether a specific child uses
regression because of a low frustration tolerance or whether the child fails to regress
because of a previous opportunity to practise coping with the stress of hospitalisation.
The age factor, which makes it more likely that the child between the ages of two and six
years will regress rather than the older child.
The parental-child relationship which affects the childs ability to cope with stress
The degree of stress experienced
Typical signs of regression are bed-wetting, wanting to be dressed, fed or bathed again, thumb
sucking, whining, temper tantrums, crying, clinginess, nightmares, new fears and increased
demands for attention.
It is understandable that these behavioural symptoms can make the post-hospitalisation period
extremely difficult for family members. However, research has shown that the non-acceptance
of regressive behaviour will only prolong it (Audette 1974). Parents should be advised to allow
the child time to regain his or her sense of security and trust in the family and home
environment.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER IN A HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT
The teacher working in a hospital environment is a member of the total health team and should
regularly have discussions with other team members so that she/he can make a meaningful
contribution to the childs recovery.
The organisation of the daily activities for a hospitalised child should provide opportunities for
play as this is an essential part of the childs life. In a hospital programme each child receives
individual attention as large group activities are less common.
Activities can be provided for hospitalised children either in a centralised playroom or at each
childs bedside, although if the child is able to leave the ward environment for a while this does
much to alleviate hospital stress. The teacher should provide as many of the usual preschool
and school activities as possible, depending upon the childs abilities, condition and mobility.
Foundation phase students may refer to the study material for module PRS101Y for more
information on developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
THE EFFECTS OF ILLNESS ON THE FAMILY
Illness or the hospitalisation of a child has the potential to disrupt family life and many parents
experience guilt and helplessness when their child is hospitalised.
Young siblings (brothers and sisters) may think that they are responsible for causing the illness
or fear that they might become ill themselves. Gibbons and Boren (1985:94) maintain that
illness in one family member reverberates throughout the entire family system.
Research has shown that parents experience anxiety owing to the following factors:
guilt feelings because they are angry at the child for being ill or because they believe
they might have caused the illness
they are often excluded from care giving and decision making while their child is in
hospital
the cost of hospitalisation often incurs great financial hardship for a family
The siblings of hospitalised children often feel that they have caused their sick brothers or
sisters illness, or fear that they may be rejected or abandoned by their parents who are
preoccupied with the sick child (Craft & Wyatt 1986; Fife, Huhman & Keck 1986).
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6.3
Chronic illness
Chronic illness has been defined as a condition that interferes with the daily functioning of a
person for more than three months in a year or that causes hospitalisation for extended periods
(Marlow 1977). This may, however, be a somewhat limiting definition because a person can
have a chronic illness like high blood pressure without feeling ill or, in the first few years of HIV
infection, may have no observable symptoms of ill health. Kibel and Wagstaff (1995:391) state
that chronic illness may be ... protracted but stable, or progressive and life threatening, or a
non-fatal handicapping condition.
Chronic illness causes a multitude of problems for all family members. Parents or primary
caregivers often react with shock, disbelief, denial or guilt and may become demanding,
accusatory or aggressive. Once parents have accepted the situation, they may either
overprotect or reject their child.
The childs own degree of acceptance of the illness will depend upon factors such as age, level
of intelligence, family attitudes, frequency of hospitalisation and the like. It is usually advisable
to tell children as much as they can understand about their illness without creating unnecessary
anxiety and children will usually learn from experience what limitations the illness imposes on
their daily life.
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER
It is always useful if the teacher knows as much as possible about the particular chronic illness
and the demands it will make on the child and his/her family so that he/she is able to provide
sympathetic and suitable support for both the learner and his/her family.
The teacher should be supportive to both child and parents with regard to the learners
need for medication during school hours, extra rest periods, specific toileting needs, and
absences from school, extra help with school work, embarrassment about physical
appearance and the like.
The teacher should maintain the confidentiality of any information given to him/her
regarding the childs condition written parental permission is required to divulge any
information to other staff.
The teacher should determine from the parents the learners own understanding and
knowledge of his/her illness (e.g. some HIV-infected learners will not be aware of their
own illness status) and it is NOT the responsibility of the teacher to inform the child of
this.
The teacher should modify the school programme so that, for example, longer rest
periods or dietary adaptations are made possible if required. Likewise the teacher should
liaise with parents on any specific precautions required for school outings or excursions
so that, wherever possible, the learner can participate in these activities.
The teacher must ensure that the school and classroom environment makes allowances
for the childs specific chronic disease. For example, wheelchair-bound learners should
have easy access to the classroom and classroom activities, while the level of specific
allergens (e.g. pet hair, chalk dust, pollen or moulds) should be eliminated if there are
asthmatic or allergic children in the class.
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The teacher should be aware of the effects of any medication that could cause
alterations in the learners behaviour such as drowsiness, hyperactivity and the like.
The teacher should be able to cope with any specific health emergencies related to a
specific chronic illness such as a severe asthma attack or hypoglycaemia resulting from
low blood sugar levels in a diabetic learner.
Children with a chronic disease or disability should be treated the same as healthy
children. It is important to remember that the way in which the teacher deals with the
child will go a long way to determining the childs attitude to illness and to his or her own
self-image.
6.4
Coming to terms with the impending death of a child is a difficult experience for any adult, but
especially for the childs parents or primary caregivers. Parents will pass through many of the
same stages of grieving as mentioned in the next section and this often starts at the time of the
initial terminal diagnosis.
It is important for parents to fully understand the childs illness so that they can channel their
energy into the present and not agonise about an unknown future. The teacher has an
important role to play as she can provide a sympathetic ear.
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The child may try to keep active to stop thinking about what has happened. The teacher
should ensure that there are sufficient activities and opportunities to keep busy. The child
should also be given the opportunity to talk, but should not be forced into doing this. A
secure environment will have the most therapeutic effect during the next few months.
Acceptance
During this stage children come to terms with their loss and begin to view the situation
more realistically and look to the future. It is important to encourage the child to speak of
the deceased person and to allow him/her to recall both positive and negative feelings
about that person.
The teacher should encourage the parents to share their grief with the child because this
helps restore healthy new life patterns. The child should be spared the intensity of
parental grief and should be given simple tasks to do to make him/her feel part of the
family.
Read the poem: The cry guy on page 423 of your prescribed
book. Write down what this poem means to you with regard to any
personal losses that you may have experienced.
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If a school friend dies, the death should be discussed openly with the children and the teacher
should deal with the topic in a sensitive but factual manner. The parents or family of the
deceased child could be given a book of remembrance, containing messages or drawings done
by the other children in the class. Also refer to your prescribed book (ch 12) for more ideas on
this.
The teacher should offer support for the parents of the child who has died and, as a mark of
respect, should attend the funeral.
6.5
HIV/AIDS
!!
Recent figures on the estimated number of people infected with HIV at the end of 2006 in South
Africa were given as approximately 5, 4 million adults and children. The Pretoria News (June 26,
1998 stated that 200 babies infected with HIV are born every day in South Africa. From these
figures it can be predicted that the possibility of having an HIV-infected child in a primary school
is increasing rapidly.
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HOW IS HIV SPREAD?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread through
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER WHEN DEALING WITH A LEARNER WITH HIV/AIDS
The teacher should consider EVERYONE (child and adult) as potentially HIV infected; this
involves taking the following precautions:
Keep all sores or cuts on your hands covered with a waterproof plaster.
Do not share items that may become contaminated with blood (e.g. toothbrushes and
razors).
Take universal precautions when treating any bleeding wound or dealing with any
blood-contaminated body fluids or articles.
49
All blood, blood products and blood-stained body fluids must be regarded
as potentially infectious.
NB: This does not apply to faeces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat,
tears, urine and vomitus unless they contain visible blood.
Hands should be washed thoroughly after the gloves are removed or after
any accidental blood contact.
Disinfect all blood spills or blood-stained body fluids with the following:
A solution of 1:10 ordinary household bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water)
that is freshly mixed every day.
Make sure that gloves are used when handling any blood-contaminated clothes or cloths
and soak these items in the bleach (hypochlorite) solution before washing them with hot
water and soap.
Always put up a notice warning parents and staff about any chickenpox (or other
communicable disease) outbreaks in the school, as people with a low immunity are
particularly sensitive to some infections.
PLEASE NOTE
A teacher should not discriminate against any person (child or adult) on the basis of
his/her HIV status. These persons pose NO risk to anyone in the school, provided the
normal blood-handling precautions are taken for everyone.
Absolute confidentiality is required if you are given information about a person's HIV
status. No one in the school needs to know and no other parents need to know. In fact, it
is not necessary for you to even know who in your school (child or staff) is HIV-positive.
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The written consent of the parent is required before you may divulge confidential
information (e.g. that a child is HIV-positive) to anyone (even another teacher).
It is ILLEGAL (against the new Constitution) to discriminate in any way against HIVpositive people. Remember that in terms of the new Constitution children have
o
the right to health care
o
the right to freedom from discrimination
o
the right to education
o
the right to parental care
CONCLUSION
Good luck with your study programme! Please contact me (your lecturer) before the
examination if you have any problems. I am here to help you but please don't wait until it is too
late!
Your Lecturer
Mrs DM Hannaway
51
Explain the way in which health influences all aspects of the childs development. Can
you think of examples that are relevant to the area in which you live?
How do the following factors influence the health of the child: heredity, environment,
behaviour, lifestyle and development?
Discuss the most common environmental factors that influence health in South Africa (or
your own country).
Briefly discuss three environmental factors that have a negative or positive effect on
health in your community.
Explain how you could involve parents in the health education curriculum of the
Foundation Phase OR the Intermediate and Senior Phase.
Discuss, giving relevant examples, the criteria for determining appropriate learning
experiences for health education in the Foundation Phase OR the Intermediate and
Senior Phase.
Discuss the following statement: physical activity can reduce the risk of some chronic
diseases.
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Discuss the role of the teacher in establishing emotional wellbeing for learners in the
Foundation OR Intermediate Phase classroom.
Discuss the following statement: teachers can be a source of support for a learners
emotional health.
Describe some positive and negative ways in which children cope with stress.
Critically discuss some of the factors that have been linked to the increasing incidence of
child abuse in South Africa.
Discuss the role of the teacher when confronted with an abused child?
Explain how you would educate Foundation Phase OR Intermediate Phase learners
about sexual abuse.
The stress of modern living has resulted in an increase in child abuse. Critically analyse
this statement.
Discuss the way in which the teacher can prepare children for hospitalisation.
Explain what you understand by the concept of regression as a symptom of posthospitalisation stress.
53
Discuss common sources of stress in the Foundation Phase OR Intermediate and Senior
Phase learners and explain how you could help children cope with stress.
A child in your class has recently died from a chronic illness. Explain how you would deal
with this in the classroom situation.
Give some examples of ways in which the teacher can explain the concept of death to a
young learner.
Discuss the ways in which the teacher can support the family of a child who is suffering
from a chronic illness.
Discuss the role of the teacher in the care and support of learners who are infected or
affected by HIV/AIDS.
Discuss the role of the teacher when dealing with the HIV-infected child during sporting
activities.
Discuss the implications of the official school policy on HIV/AIDS for the Foundation
Phase OR Intermediate and Senior Phase teacher.
Explain in detail the implications of universal precautions for the primary school
situation.
Briefly indicate what appropriate information you would include when planning the
following learning activities for Foundation Phase learners
o
pedestrian safety
o
bicycle safety
o
home safety
o
school safety
o
dental health
o
food safety
o
healthy food for school lunches
o
consumer health
o
physical fitness
o
prevention of poisoning
o
food guide pyramid
o
fire safety
What is the role of the ECD teacher in providing nutrition education activities for the
young child?
Discuss four ways in which nutrition education activities can aid child development.
Discuss the criteria used for choosing appropriate nutrition education concepts for young
children.
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Explain why health and safety education are important for young children.
How can teachers decide whether health, safety and nutrition resource materials are
reliable?
Describe how you would deal with the following emergency situations:
o
a learner who is choking
o
a learner with a nosebleed
o
an adult with a suspected heart attack
o
a learner with a first-degree burn
o
a learner with a second-degree burn
o
a learner with a third-degree burn
o
a learner with an epileptic seizure
o
a learner with an asthmatic attack
o
a learner with a hyperglycaemic (diabetic) coma
o
a learner with a hypoglycaemic (insulin) coma
How would you ensure the safety of learners on the primary school playground?
How would you ensure the safety of learners during sporting activities?
55
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