Age range: 3-6

Theme Area: Role Play

Related Episode: Calling Dr. Zak

Subjects/Skills: Dramatic Play; Health

Materials Needed:
Small bag or knapsack
Popsicle stick
Small toy
Paper towel tube
Paper
Crayons

Directions:
Prepare for your child's next doctor's visit by making a "Doctor Bag" together. Give your child a small bag or knapsack. Your child can turn a popsicle stick into a pretend thermometer.

You can turn a paper towel tube into a stethoscope. Just hold it against your chest and let your child listen to your heartbeat.

Ask your child to choose a small toy that she would like to take on a trip to the doctor's office.

Invite your child to draw a picture that she can give to her doctor that shows how she feels.

When you've put everything into the bag, practice your doctor visit by pretending to be a patient who visits your child's "doctor's office." Let your child use the thermometer to check your temperature, and the stethoscope to check your heartbeat.

Let your child carry her "Doctor Bag" to her next doctor's visit. Then she can give her doctor the picture that she drew.