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Band-Aid Art
Educational and Therapeutic Intervention

Overview & Purpose

Educational Focus: To educate children on the use of band-aids and gauze
within the hospital setting.
Therapeutic Focus: To allow the children to get familiarized with treatment
materials such as bandages and gauze through medical play by creating
artwork and stories out of band-aids.

Objectives
1. Modality: Medical Play/Medical Art
2. Age Group: Primary/School age
3. Difficulty Level: Beginner
4. Required Time: 30 minutes

Equipment Needed
1. Table (or bedside table)
2. Chairs

Preparation of Materials Prior to Intervention

1. Gather materials

Materials Needed
1.
2.
3.
4.

Band-aids (different options: characters, regular, designs)

Gauze
Construction paper
Markers

Procedure/Directions
1. Let the children choose a background for their picture/story using the
construction paper.
2. For the butterflies:
a. Let the children choose their band-aids and gauze
b. Squish the gauze in the center and use the band-aid to secure the gauze
c. Use markers (or other desired materials) to make the antennas
d. Decorate the rest of their picture using different materials
3. While the children are creating their masterpiece, ask questions about the
medical supplies and if they know what they are used for.

Variations/Extensions
1. Optional desired embellishments, such as googly eyes, pom-poms, glitter
glue, paint, stickers, jewels, pipe cleaners, etc.
2. Glue or tape may be utilized for materials that do not have a sticky backing.
3. Consider using washable tempera paint suitable for children.
4. The intervention can be adjusted based on the age of the children/teens:
a. Band-aid butterflies/flowers for preschool/school-aged children
b. Band-aid stories/get-well cards for teenagers

Caution and Safety Precautions

1. Some children may need help peeling the backing of the band-aids if they
are unable to due to casting or IVs on their arm(s).
2. Be aware that small items (pom-poms, jewels, etc.) may be a choking hazard
for small children.