Children attend school not only for instruction but also to develop communication and social skills. The teacher should be getting updates through the advocate, but the parent can help by calling the teacher periodically and bringing notes or taped messages to the classroom. Have the pediatric oncology nurse or social worker come to class to give a presentation about what is happening to their classmate and how he will look and feel when he returns. Teenagers should be involved in deciding what information should be given to classmates. Send pictures of your child on treatment to the school.
Some families fill photo albums with pictures that are shared with the classmates.
Encourage classmates to keep in touch by sending notes, calling on the phone, sending class pictures, or making a banner. Whenever your child is able, keeping up with schoolwork should be a priority. Learning can continue despite school absences. Parents should communicate with the teacher to keep abreast of the subjects being covered in school. Often, the teacher will send assignments and materials home with siblings, or arrangements can be made for pick-up.