It is not all about blocks and structures in Room 4 right now. The children also create artwork, make puzzles, read books, create music, explore natural items, and more! The children have also been heavily into dramatic play in the home area and “Baby land.” In fact, a couple of weeks ago, the children talked with the teachers about making it a doctor’s office for the babies. They helped the teachers put out some doctor’s items to use upstairs in the loft.
Today, there were some great conversations in the dramatic play area. Dramatic play is particularly important for social and emotional development. Children use a lot of oral language in the area, too.
Here’s your chance to “listen” in…
M: “They’re writing notes.”
Teacher: “What are they about?”
M: “Patients. About people’s weights.”
I: “My baby can’t walk. I’m gonna carry him because there’s lots of dangerous things.”
Teacher: “What’s dangerous?”
I: “The floor. He’s gonna eat. I’m gonna help my baby walk because he can’t walk by himself.”
Teacher: “What are you doing now?”
L: “She’s making my eyes close.” (looks at thermometer) “Three five.”
(J taps L’s knees. Taps her body with small doctor’s tool. Puts tool near L’s ears.)
J: “K, I’m done. One more check of your heart.”
Teacher: “Is she sick? Is she healthy? What did you find out when you examined her?”
J: “She’s fine.”
(L and J trade places.)
Teacher: “Are you taking care of J—– now?”
L: “Yeah, we’re taking turns.”
I: “I went to work.”
J: “But this is a doctor’s office.”
L: “Take a deep breath. Let me tell you something. If you go fast, you have a fever. That’s what my sister told me.”
Teacher: “What do you have to do to make a fever better?”
L: “I don’t know. I have to ask my sister.”
Children have to think deeply about the language heard in doctor’s offices and what doctors may do with patients. They create scripts for these scenarios and act them out in dramatic play. This shows a deep level of cognition and language use. It is fun to hear what the children have to say when playing in the doctor’s office!
