Dramatic Play prop box -- Doctors office

Math Science & Social Studies

Gisela Alt

Objective-- Children are actively able to play out different roles and situations in a safe
environment, building traits and skills they can apply to the real world.

Social Skills:
Children learn how to take turns, exercise manners, how to communicate and interact
effectively with one another.

Language Development:
Children use words they may hear parents or medical staff use, giving them a purpose
and assimilating them into their vocabulary. Using words as a means of
communications helps build language skills. Writing skills are developed, and math
language is practiced through height and weight, counting, etc.

Emotional Development:
Children have an opportunity to express how they feel about events they have
experienced in a safe environment. Doctors office dramatic play allows children to act
out feelings and internalize their emotions, helping them understand them better.
Practicing the role of caregiver and patient helps develop empathy and cooperative
skills.

Motor skill development:

Children develop fine motor skills through buttoning, zippering and tying when putting
different costumes on themselves or helping others put on costumes. Fine motor skills
are also developed through manipulating instruments and writing practice.

Larger items not included in prop box:

Chairs and basket of books for waiting room, small table and chair for appointment
desk, cot or baby changing table for exam table
Included in prop box:

Clothes/environment--doctor exam jacket, nurse scrubs top, medical technician exam

coat
Props--Growth chart, digital scale, eye chart (printable), skeletal system poster
Medical instruments/equipment--stethoscopes, thermometers, reflex hammer, eye/ear
light (from play doctors kits), rubber gloves, face masks, ace bandages, knee/wrist
braces, empty prescription bottles with beads (printable labels), clipboards, phone,
bandaids (dollar store, only a few out at a time each day)
Printables:
Physical exam form (laminated), patient form (laminated), prescription pad

Other items to look for:

Computer keyboard
Diagnostic penlights
Arm sling
Crutches
X-rays
Tweezers