This month, our dramatic play area transformed into a hospital, building off the children’s interest in pretending to be doctors. They dressed up as doctors and nurses, cared for their “patients,” and used tools like stethoscopes, syringes, droppers, bandages, etc. As they played, they began showing curiosity about X-rays and bones and that’s how our new exploration began. To extend this growing interest, we added a skeleton figure to the hospital environment, where the children could explore the skeletal system in a hands-on way through their play. One of the children named the skeleton, “Skeleton”, and the name stuck! The children seemed to admire Skeleton and treated him as a friend. They were thrilled to meet Skeleton and loved finding out how bones help us move, stand, and play. We incorporated other skeleton and bone experiences into our environment throughout the following days and weeks. One day we set up a tuff tray with loose parts, including small bones, pompoms, and scoops. The children used skeleton arms and hands to scoop, and transfer the materials, strengthening their fine motor skills and engaging in sensory play. We also provided plastic skeleton hands with small hair bands, carefully stretching and looping the bands around each finger. This activity encouraged focus, persistence, and coordination. The children were fascinated as they matched arms, hands, and other bones, making connections between the images, the skeleton model and their own bodies. Skeleton has become an important member of our classroom, and even has his own cubby and cot at preschool! One of the children even took him home to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with their family.
