ERIC Number: ED210090
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1980
Reference Count: 0
Creating a Portable Hospital/Medical Play Corner: A Guide for Teachers of Young Children.
Patton, Sarah; Dye, Victor C.
Ways in which early childhood educators can help children prepare for medical events through play are suggested in this pamphlet. Three qualities are seen as essential to a valuable hospital/medical play experience: (1) a focus on the child's current medical interests and experiences, (2) inclusion of information about a child's forthcoming or past medical event, and (3) formation of an environment which encourages a child to express his or her feelings about medical events through fantasy or realistic play. These qualities are discussed and "micro" and "macro" approaches to hospital/medical play are described. "Micro" play materials include small doll-sized figures and toy hospital or medical equipment for use in symbolic play. "Macro" play refers to children's dramatic or role play in which the child enacts the roles of doctor, nurse, or patient rather than having a doll or puppet figure enact the roles and activities. "Macro" play materials include hospital clothing and child-sized pieces of hospital or medical play equipment. Lists of suggested play materials for different settings as well as guides for using the play materials are provided. In addition, ideas for program planning and class activities are offered and ways teachers can aid stressed and anxious parents of ill or hospitalized children are suggested. In conclusion, sources of play materials and books related to medical and hospital experiences for children, parents and teachers are listed. (Author/RH)
Descriptors: Coping, Dramatic Play, Early Childhood Education, Hospitalized Children, Manipulative Materials, Medical Services, Play Therapy, Program Development, Stress Variables, Teacher Role, Teaching Guides
The Judson House, 1122 Judson Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202 ($2.95 plus $2.00 handling charge.)
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: Judson House, Evanston, IL.