VETERINARY CLINIC

Developing Oral Language Through

Dramatic Play

Goals:
develop a vocabulary
for naming and
describing objects
and animals related
to the theme
promote children
speaking to one
another
promote children
speaking loudly and
clearly

allow children to develop confident speaking

skills
encourage children to describe their feelings,
efforts and ideas
 Our dramatic play center changes throughout the
year to reflect children's interests and wonders.
One of the highlights this year was transforming
the center into a veterinary clinic. Student's can
bring in stuffed animals from home and the
teacher can add other real life vet materials such
as x-rays, doctor kits and vet-themed dress up
clothes.

The children take on various roles at the clinic, such

as being the vet, owners and some even become the
animal patients. They communicate to one another
about the problems the animals are having,
treatment options or what makes their pet so special
to them. Students have the opportunity to ask
questions, listen carefully and respond all of which
help them practice their oral language.
Having a local vet come into the classroom to share
about the work they do often sparks curiosity,
wonder and passion. During this time the vet can
teach the children specific vocabulary around the
anatomy of animals, procedure names and vet
equipment. The children can then apply their
learning and use this vocabulary while playing at the
center when communicating with one another.

When children take on the role of a pet owner they

are able to share differnt feelings based on how their
pet is doing. They can speak with emotion and play
while expressing their emotions through their voices.
The vet takes on the role of being a little more
authoritative and speaks confidently. They need to
speak clearly and empathetically to comfort their
patients. Children can make posters for the vet clinic
with their peers. This promotes conversations about
what the posters should include and look like. It also
gives children the chance to use new vocabulary.
 Dramatic play centers are a great opportunity for
teachers to listen in on conversations, ask questions
and assess students. By using a rubrics, checklist,
taking pictures or taking anecdotal notes, families
and educators are able to see the oral language of
students. Some of the oral language skills you could
assess are:
ability to demonstrate snytax
complexity of sentences
use of vocabulary (specific for the vet clinic)
identification and elaboration of ideas
ability to socialize and talk to peers (turn taking,
problem solving, interaction)
voice volume and clarity