Animal Hospital

Today I just wanted to do a quick post to share my favorite dramatic play center from the school year.  During our animal unit, I turned our kitchen into an animal hospital.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but, hopefully,you will get the idea.

To start, I gathered (stuffed) animals that I had in my classroom and at home.  Next, I went to thrift store and picked up a few animals that I thought would be good additions (snake, owl, hedgehog).  While at the thrift store I also looked for animal cages.  I found a cat carrier for $6.  I ran it through the dishwasher at home and it was good to go.  I also was able to get a few more small animal cages by asking friends on Facebook.  I also added scrub tops, stethoscopes, masks (I asked our school nurse for these) and other "doctor" supplies that I had.

I knew I wanted something more for out little hospital.  After thinking, I knew that last thing we needed was x-rays.  To make my x-rays, I used Google images to search for x-rays and printed them out on regular paper. I labeled each x-ray so the kids (and adults) would know what it was.  I then laminated the x-rays and put them in the center.

The kids loved this center (the ones in my classroom and my own kids before and after school)!