We're Going to the Doctor: Preparing For A Check-Up
Big Steps Series
What’s inside...
This children's book is part of the Campbell Big Steps series, which helps young kids prepare for new experiences. In the story, children follow a character as they go to the doctor for a check-up, learning what to expect and how to be brave while facing a common situation for many children. The Big Steps series is designed to help young children deal with new experiences in their lives. In 'We're Going to the Doctor', Billy and Nell go for a check-up and have an injection. This novelty book with a sweet story has fun flaps to lift and mechanisms to move as well as practical tips for parents and carers on each page, endorsed by leading Early Years Consultant, Dr Amanda Gummer. With delightful illustrations by Marion Cocklico, 'We're Going to the Doctor' is the perfect book for sharing and reassuring little people. For more toddler tips, read 'We're Having A Baby', 'I'm Not Sleepy', 'No More Nappies', 'I'm Starting Nursery' and 'Can You Say Please?'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you feel when you visit the doctor, and what makes you feel that way?
What are some things the doctor does during a check-up?
Why do you think it's important to go to the doctor even when you're feeling well?
Can you think of any questions you might want to ask the doctor next time you visit?
How can we make visits to the doctor more fun or less scary?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain a calm and positive tone to help alleviate any fears your child might have about doctor visits.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about doctor visits and validate their emotions, whether they are positive or negative.
Relate personal stories or experiences about going to the doctor to make the concept more relatable and less intimidating.
After reading the book, role-play a doctor’s visit with your child to help demystify the process and make them more comfortable with real-life check-ups.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out instruments or procedures and explain their purpose in a friendly and reassuring way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Preparation and Anticipation
Explanation: This book guides children through the steps of a typical doctor’s visit, helping them understand what to expect during a check-up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to ease anxiety about doctor visits and other new experiences by knowing what to expect and feeling prepared.
Example Lesson: Importance of Health and Wellness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the role of doctors in maintaining health, teaching children why regular check-ups are important.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value their health and might become more proactive about their wellness, encouraging habits like washing hands or eating vegetables.
Example Lesson: Coping with Fear
Explanation: The characters in the book express nervousness about the doctor’s visit, but they learn techniques to manage their fear.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s okay to be scared and provides them tools to deal with stressors and fears in daily situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: As the children in the book ask questions about the equipment and procedures, they model an inquisitive approach towards learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and learn from real-world activities, thereby increasing knowledge and reducing fears through understanding.
Example Lesson: Listening and Following Instructions
Explanation: By observing the characters listening to the doctor and following instructions, children learn the importance of listening to authority figures during important tasks.
Real-World Application: This can help children in situations like school or extracurricular activities where following directions is essential for safety and learning.