A couple of weeks ago we were playing eye doctor. I set out a few related doctor kit items, some scrub shirts, a lab jacket, some sunglasses, and an eye chart.
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| We also had a couple of chairs for waiting and examination. |
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| Our eye chart had the initial letters of all our names, plus a few other letters. |
We had fun wearing the sunglasses, using the doctor tools, and pretending to help each other with an eye exam or other medical procedures.
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| We wore sunglasses on top of our heads as much as on our eyes. |
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| I can see you! |
During these types of dramatic play experiences, I always try to supplement with writing tools. Kids can begin to use writing in practical and useful ways - important literacy skills. For doctor-related play experiences, I usually include clipboards and paper as a part of play. The clipboards often get lots of use and this time was no exception.
I overheard a couple of girls playing. One was creating a form for the other to fill out. I was surprised that they had picked up on that aspect of medical care--paperwork. Maybe the clipboards reminded them of clipboards in their doctors' offices. (Mine all use that method of getting paperwork filled out.) After the kids left, I found these forms.
This reminded me again that my kids are always paying attention to the world around them. I never know what aspect of my classroom they are going to absorb, expound, and recreate. I need to make sure my classroom is encouraging learning in every corner. A simple game or activity may be just the thing a child takes home in his head and heart - and uses for more learning later. Who knew that medical forms could be so educational?
