Lesson Plan Ideas

Include Allergy Education in the Curriculum

Available online resources can be accessed below:

 Food Standards Scotland: Happy Hands!

 Anaphylaxis UK: School Allergy Awareness Resource Pack

 Cbeebies Radio: Allergy Stories

 Allergy Meal Match | Food Standards Scotland for P3–P5, P5–P7

 Hand washing lesson from Food Standards Scotland | Food Standards Scotlandfor Nursery P1–P3

Creative ideas to engage young children

Glitter can be used to demonstrate how allergens are easily spread by shaking hands or touching toys, books and surfaces This also highlights the importance of hand washing to remove allergens. Food Allergy Canada

Adolescents with allergies are most at risk of having a severe reaction.

This is often because of social pressures, an increase in risk-taking behaviours, low self-esteem or lack of education in how to manage the allergy.

Include Allergy Education in the Curriculum

Core Education

PSE classes are excellent opportunities to teach students about allergies. Pupils should also learn how to use adrenaline autoinjectors and the correct emergency response.

Pupil led awareness sessions in assemblies or PSE classes educate peers and encourage pupils with allergies to feel more confident about their allergy.

Social Science Classes

Discussions surrounding allergies can be controversial and can be linked to discussions around politics. Teachers can add these into debates or as topics for discursive essays as part of social science classes e.g. English, Modern Studies or Politics.

Self-management

Pupils in secondary schools should be encouraged to become independent and self-manage their allergy. This involves being responsible for carrying their emergency medication.

Online Resources

 Food Standards Scotland: Allergy Action!for S1-3 pupils

 Anaphylaxis UK: School Allergy Awareness Resource Pack

Educating all pupils about allergies can encourage empathy and responsible behaviour from peers. It will also increase their knowledge of preventing and responding to reactions.

Allergies can also be included in science, art, hospitality, cooking classes and more – staff can get creative!

 Allergy UK Top Tips for Teachers

 The Food Programme May Contain Nuts Podcast

Fundraising:
Host fundraising event in the school for anaphylaxis UK –
or have allergy and anaphylaxis awareness days which could be included in health week.

This can help raise awareness to other pupils, normalising allergies and make pupils with allergies feel more included at school.