How to Protect and Promote Student Health

The primary role of teachers is to instruct their pupils in scholastic subjects so they are prepared for future careers and fulfilled lives. The role of educators extends beyond mere academics, however, to the overall well-being of children. It is also the job of school personnel to protect and promote their students' health. The implementation of guidelines designed to fend against illness and adverse conditions is essential in maintaining an environment in which children thrive.

Instructions

• 1

  Provide a clean environment in all classrooms and student areas. Prepare spray bottles containing one part bleach to 10 parts water to use to disinfect surfaces. Wipe down surfaces such as desks and plastic chairs with the mixture each day following their use. Keep boxes of facial tissue in each class to help students contain cold germs.

• 2

  Encourage physical education and sports participation. Make exercise an important part of the school day by making it a priority for children to play active games outside in seasonable weather and in the gym in cold temperatures. Create athletic clubs if a formal sports program does not exist in your school.

• 3

  Teach children about proper nutrition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends teaching students about healthy diets in order to improve their eating patterns so they will be healthier physically and intellectually. Provide healthy lunches and snacks if your educational facility has a cafeteria.

• 4

  Bring in specialists to teach children about health and fitness. For example, invite dental professionals into the classroom to lecture children on how to properly care for their teeth. Find engaging speakers who bring hands-on materials to capture the attention of the students.

• 5

  Implement safety guidelines in the school to be taught to all the students. These should include drills to help students practice their response to emergency situations. Address fire safety, difficult weather scenarios and environmental hazards. Maintain alarm systems, fire extinguisher, eye wash and all electrical equipment.

• 6

  Assign students projects in which they explore ways of staying healthy. This gives children the chance to take some responsibility for educating themselves and their peers in the area of health. Stage a health fair in which students can display their projects to their families and the community as a whole.