Unfazed by the haze
IN Malaysia, the haze has now become an annual occurrence, with some years being worse than others.
On top of that, with the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, there are pockets of bad haze during long dry periods too.
Many schools are experiencing the haze’s negative impact on learning and teaching. However, while we may not be able to do anything about the haze directly, schools can at least prepare to face it.
In some areas in China, air pollution is now so commonplace that schools do not stop outdoor activites until the API reading exceeds 250.
At the moment, schools in Malaysia are ordered to shut when the API reading hits around 200.
If we look further afield, published material from the American Lung Association states that when the API reading reaches between 101 and 150, all children, active adults and people with respiratory disease such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Once the API reading is anywhere from 151 to 200, most people should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
The association goes on to say that it is only when the API reaches 301 that everyone needs to stay indoors.
Essentially, we need to limit our exposure to the outdoor air, but life can certainly carry on.
Regardless of where one might stand on the topic, the reality is that education cannot stop.
While conditions are not ideal, our children still need school and all the mental, emotional and physical development offered through education.
Sheela Raghu, principal of elc International School, says, “While a school primarily wants to keep children safe, it must also work on finding creative solutions to engage students.”
Given how topical air pollution is at the moment, teachers can weave this into children’s learning. For example, in geography lessons, students can learn about how agriculture is actually one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the western world.
Teachers can then take that into a later class and pose the question on what can be done to balance the need for food versus the pollution generated by modern agricultural methods.
There are numerous ways that teachers can weave topical issues into a regular class and it can “breathe” life into an otherwise difficult situation.
On top of this, we are fostering a generation clued up on serious topical matters who will eventually offer solutions to problems that previous generations have failed to address.
The classroom is not the only area where the battle against the haze is happening.
Many international schools across Malaysia cancelled outdoor physical education lessons once the API reading passed 100.
Head of physical education at elc International School, Eduardo Dela Luna, laments on how team performance suffers as outdoor training becomes limited.
However, he is keen to keep students engaged and plans for activities in multi- purpose halls or turns outdoor classes into science lessons on physiology and health.
Parents also play a vital role in the continued development of students.
They need to be attuned to how their child’s body is coping with the increased exposure to the haze.
If breathing is laboured or eyes constantly irritated, seek medical advice on how to develop strategies to cope.
There are a range of masks available in the market, from standard to more fanciful ones. There is also a wide variety of different eyedrops with functions, so obtaining specific medical advice is essential if you find your child’s health suffering.
Share any relevant medical information with your child’s homeroom teacher so that the school can help manage your child’s health effectively too.
If you notice that your child is suffering from a form of “cabin fever” from prolonged indoor “detention”, explore avenues to get them active indoors.
Gymnastics, rock climbing, soft play, yoga, badminton and basketball are some indoor options that can be explored.
As Chong Soh Nee, head of secondary at elc International School, says, “Without a doubt, when the API reading is high we have to stay indoors. But that does not mean life and learning stops. Take the necessary precautions and never let the haze stop you from learning.”
For more information, visit www. elc. edu. my