Blowing Nose Routine

INTRODUCTION FOR TEACHERS

Explain the importance of having a clear nose to the students and that hearing loss may become permanent if they continue to have a blocked nose or slight hearing loss. blowingnose

Explain to the students that the idea of this game is to teach the students how to blow their nose properly and how to tell if it is blocked.

Encourage the students to put their tissue in the bin as soon as they have blown both sides in the game and song. (Take the opportunity to discuss germs in their nose and “snot” holding germs, so it is important to place the tissue straight in the bin after they have blown both sides.)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Conductive hearing loss is a result of middle ear disease and affects many children in their childhood. Aboriginal children can spend over 2 years with a hearing loss compared to non aboriginal students who may only experience hearing loss for about 3 months collectively.blowingnose_01

It is important that young children learn how to blow their nose correctly. The routines outlined in the following activities are known as the “Breathing, Blowing and Coughing,” program (BBC) and are taught by NT Hearing.

Explain to the students that even if they don’t have nasal blockage currently, they may have in the future or they may know younger students they could teach the routine or song to.

PREPARATION

Print out the BBC 11 step poster and display permanently in the room.
Print out the Breathing, Blowing and Coughing song lyrics (downloadble pdf at the bottom of Activity 2)
Print out the “Blowing Nose Routine” theme – Jimmy Says Action Game
A box of tissues, at least 5 per student. Some students may need more or less than this amount, depending upon the blockage they are experiencing.
Bins – small boxes or containers sitting on the floor dispersed amongst the students

ACTIVITY 1

Jimmy Says Action Game – “How To Just Blow Your Nose” theme

This is played with similar rules to Simon says but no one goes out in this game, they need to follow the routine order and learn it.

Jimmy says first blow your nose, block one hole, tissue underneath, one big blow tissuebox

Jimmy says put the tissue in the bin

Jimmy says check your nose is empty

Jimmy says take 5 deep breaths Jimmy says do 2 big coughs

Jimmy says do some exercise

Jimmy says blow your nose again, block one hole, tissue underneath, one big blow

Jimmy says put the tissue in the bin Jimmy says take 5 more deep breaths

Jimmy says do 2 more big coughs Jimmy says do some exercise

Jimmy says if it is still blocked, start all over again

Jimmy says wash your hands when your nose is unblocked

Jimmy says wash your face when your nose is unblocked

You can start again with the whole class if students are still blocked after the first game. The aim is for them to know how to blow their nose properly and the routine to unblock their nose.

Play the game each morning for a few weeks to help the students learn the routine. You could have small groups learn 3 or 4 verses, show the rest of the class their part and then link them all together.

The exercise section of the game is to encourage breathing. Run on the spot, or you may choose to jump, hop, star jump etc . The students could add suggestions.