Doctor's Office Week II

Doctor's Office Week II facilitated a deepening and broadening of the concepts discussed last week.  The children have consistently built upon their strong foundational understanding of how their bodies work, and how best to stay healthy.  This knowledge and understanding has been broadened to include a fundamental understanding of their Brain and Heart, as well as their Skeletal structure and digestive system.  Your child should be able to provide basic answers to some or all of the following questions:  What is the boss of your body?  What is the name of the bone that protects your brain?  What does your heart do?  What is the name of the bones that protect your heart?  What happens to an apple or a banana when you eat and swallow it!  What are the five senses?  We have read books about all of these concepts, discussed them, and played games that concretely illustrated them.  Additionally, the children have routinely used the accurate terms for the doctor's instruments within their play this week, and were able to explain the function of each of these instruments.  Most importantly, they were delighted to apply their "expertise" as they doctored within our Pre-K Clinic.  The fun and excitement within the classroom was palpable as the children gave check-ups and lots of "shots" to all of our "walk-in patients"! 

  

Many thanks to Karsyn's mom, Noelle, and Vera's dad, Alex, for coming in to talk with the children about their work as a nurse in a doctor's office and a doctor in a hospital.  The children were very interested in and enriched by all that was shared with them.  It was also very exciting to see a "real" stethoscope and otoscope!

Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play

Let's take a closer look at the important functions of our Pre-K Three Clinic.

Our Pre-K Clinic is a "Signature Experience" of our "Doctor's Office" theme.  The children are so proud and excited to share their "medical expertise" with parents, buddies and other Parker community members!  Our Clinic is also an "authentic assessment tool" of learning.  During clinic time,  the children utilize and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired within the Doctor's Office theme.  Utilizing this information and skill in the Clinic solidifies the children's understanding and demonstrates their mastery of  terms, information and skills!  Additionally, the children are empowered, and experience a significant sense of competency as they assume a position of leadership in their interactions with people who are very important to them.  Above and beyond the stellar health care you received, it was a delight to have parents and other family members enter into the "magic" of our medical role playing!  Many thanks to all of you who were able to join us in our Pre-K Clinic this week!

Have a fun and restful weekend!