Going to the Doctor: (First Experiences)
Usborne 100 Things to Know About... Series
What’s inside...
In 'Going to the Doctor: First Experiences,' Anne Civardi introduces young readers to the common experience of visiting a doctor for a check-up. Through engaging illustrations and simple text, the book follows a child as they go through the process of a doctor's appointment, from waiting in the reception area to being examined by the doctor. The story aims to familiarize children with medical procedures and equipment, alleviate fears, and encourage positive attitudes about health care. It's an educational resource that helps parents and caregivers prepare children for their own medical visits. Illustrated with Stephen Cartwright's endearing, fun artwork, the book provides an ideal starting point for young children and adults to discuss first experiences or unfamiliar situations in a reassuring way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-2
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the book felt about visiting the doctor? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some things the doctor did to check the child’s health? Why do you think those are important?
How did the people in the book support each other during the visit to the doctor?
What would you want to know before your next visit to the doctor?
If you were a doctor, how would you help children feel comfortable during their visit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about doctor visits and validate their emotions, whether they are positive or negative.
Discuss the importance of regular health check-ups and how they help us stay healthy.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out friendly interactions and cheerful environments which can make medical visits less daunting.
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book is about and why it's important.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their ideal doctor's visit or role play a doctor-patient scenario to make them more comfortable with the concept.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing anxiety
Explanation: The story helps children comprehend their feelings of nervousness about visiting a doctor by showing characters going through similar experiences and overcoming their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing their own feelings of anxiety in new situations and learning coping mechanisms to manage them, such as deep breathing or discussing their fears with a trusted adult.
Example Lesson: Importance of health and hygiene
Explanation: Through the narrative, the book highlights the significance of regular check-ups and maintaining personal hygiene to prevent illnesses.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to adopt healthy habits such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and not shying away from medical check-ups.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate care and concern for each other, giving a clear understanding of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be attentive and compassionate towards their peers or family members who are feeling unwell or anxious about health-related issues.
Example Lesson: Learning to ask questions
Explanation: The book encourages children to be curious and ask questions during their doctor visits to better understand their own health.
Real-World Application: This can be translated into children feeling more comfortable and empowered to communicate openly with doctors and other adults.