Children may be interested in allergies and food intolerances if they have a health condition themselves. They may also be curious if another child at their childcare centre has an allergy.
UNCRC, NQS and EYLF
All children can benefit from learning about allergies and food intolerances in early childhood education. Health and wellbeing is embedded in the National Quality Standard and The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
As part of the Early Years Learning Framework's learning outcomes, children can learn to take responsibility for their own health (3.2) and should always feel safe, secure, and supported (1.1). Children can learn that everyone is different (2.2) and show care, empathy and respect (1.4) to other people with allergies.
Learning experiences
Listen to a talk
Invite an adult who has an allergy to give a talk. This could be an educator or family member. They will explain what it is like to have an allergy and the precautions they need to take. Children can ask questions.
Cook yummy treats
Cook a special treat for people at your service with food allergies or intolerances. Research recipes that don't include any of the ingredients they can't have. Talk to the children about suitable replacements for ingredients like wheat, eggs and milk.
Run a pretend restaurant
After talking to children about allergies, turn your home corner into a pretend restaurant. Children pretend to be waiters and cooks, serving food to customers who have food allergies. They can also make menus and pretend to write orders in a notebook. This experience will develop conversation, memory, mark making, and listening skills.
Read ingredient lists
Teach children about ingredient lists on common packaged foods, like cans of soup, biscuits and dried fruit. While children in early childhood are not expected to read the words, looking at the packaging will provoke questions and conversations. How can someone tell if they are allergic to this food?
Monitor pollen levels
Many people have asthma or hay fever that is triggered by seasonal changes. Children can monitor the pollen levels to learn more about allergies, maths, technology and data. Find the pollen count for your state through Asthma Australia.
Resources
Websites
Music
The Wiggles: Allergies