Doctor's Office Week I

Doctor's Office Week I was a time of great activity!  The children have not only moved fully into interactive play, they are now a solid little community of friends who are completely comfortable with one another!  As our photos illustrate, the children were totally absorbed in their activity and took the roles of doctor and patient very seriously!

Read Across America Day was great fun!  It is so exciting for the children to come to school dressed as one of their favorite story book characters.  In addition, the children enjoyed literature in a variety of ways throughout the day.  They were read to by parents and teachers, and listened to story tellers as well.  The day is a beloved Parker tradition among all of our students and staff!  Many thanks to our librarian, Carol Kanalley, for making this day possible for our school community!

Happy Birthday to Annabelle who turned four on February 22, and celebrated with us on Wednesday!

Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play

This week let's take a closer look inside our Doctor's Office!

Upon first glance, our Doctor's Office appears to manifest itself primarily in the Dramatic Play Area where there are lots of doctor's instruments, bags and clothing with which the children may play and explore.  There is also a bed, a desk, a skeleton and real x-rays! 

However, upon further observation you will see that the theme permeates our entire classroom and is embedded in all areas of  our curriculum!  The children have indeed taken on the roles of doctor and patient, engaging each other as they draw on and expand on their prior experiences, learn many new medically related words , and use doctor tools in an appropriate manner.  Their faces readily reflect their passion and deep interest in the medical task at hand!

Within this theme, the children have also learned more about the make-up and function of their bodies as we read both non-fiction and fiction books together at Story Time.  We have talked about the brain, heart, skeletal system, digestive system and the Five Senses.

Other activities have included tracing their bodies, as well as coloring and using their "Doctor Instruments Books" to prepare for next week's "Pre-K Three Clinic".  The children have also enjoyed decorating and distributing flyers for their up-coming clinic.

It has been so exciting to witness the children's excitement, enthusiasm and passion each day as they have played, engaged, explored, discovered and learned within our Doctor's Office!

Have a fun and restful weekend!