For children, interest areas guide play, exploration and discovery, which are all used to foster children’s holistic development. Interest areas enable educators to think intentionally about how to organise the space and involve the children to provide accessible materials that engage children and enhance their play experiences.
Imaginative role play is an important part of early childhood development. As children engage in imaginative and dramatic play, they are developing a range of skills including oral language, cooperation and problem solving.
In Cobbers Hospital Corner, first up is the reception area complete with an appointment book and patient details forms. This is a great way to get the children to begin making marks or writing authentically.
Next is the waiting room, waiting patiently until the Doctor is ready to see you.
The Doctor arrives wearing Personal Protective Equipment (identifying another Community helper) and uses language such as, What happened? and Where does it hurt? and allowing the patient to respond.
Hospital Corner has helped our children learn how to have empathy and care for one another. It has also enhanced the creation of new relationships and friendships through role play and having fun.
(Parent) Susan “I love this. Normalising doctor and hospital visits.”
