Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Quiet play · The activity desk
Stuffed friend check-in
Pretend to welcome and care for a stuffed animal at a clinic.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
An age-appropriate stuffed animal, a clean small towel, paper, and a large child-appropriate crayon.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Place the stuffed animal and towel on a stable surface. Fold the paper for a pretend visit chart.
Adult's role: Stay beside the child, follow their story, and ask before touching their toy.
Let's make it happen
- Welcome the stuffed animal and choose a name for its pretend visit.
- Draw the animal on the chart and imagine what might help it feel comfortable.
- Offer the toy a loose towel for a rest, then say goodbye until its next pretend visit.
Make it simpler: Wrap the toy loosely in the towel and draw it together.
Clean up: Put the towel, toy, and crayon away. Save or recycle the chart.
Use a toy rather than a real animal, and leave medicines and real medical equipment out of play.