Doctor, Doctor: Where Does It Hurt?
In pairs, the patient draws a card showing the body part that hurts and the doctor puts a masking tape bandage on their clothes over that spot. Then the patient runs a course without moving the bandaged part, discovering what each body segment is for.
How to play
- Use cones to set up a 60-foot course with three tasks: walk in a zigzag, jump with feet together over three cones and duck under a rope or two classmates' arms (2 min).
- Form doctor and patient pairs. In the center is the doctor's office: a stack of cards face down with pictures of body parts and precut pieces of masking tape (2 min).
- The patient draws a card, says out loud my knee hurts, and the doctor sticks a tape bandage on their pants over the knee (3 min).
- The patient completes the course without bending or using that body part, for example with a stiff knee or a still arm. The doctor walks alongside and checks (5 min).
- Back at the office, they remove the bandage, switch roles and repeat with a new card (5 min).
- Class discussion: which body part did you miss the most on the course? Students share which movements they couldn't do (3 min).
Rules
- Masking tape goes only on clothes, never on skin or hair.
- Walk or jog gently through the course so no one falls.
- The doctor stays next to the patient and helps if they lose their balance.
- Used bandages go in the trash can at the doctor's office.
Variations
Easier
Cards show only big body parts, like arm, leg or hand.
Standard
Cards show joints like elbow, knee, ankle or wrist.
Harder
The patient draws two cards and does the course with two body parts out of action.
Adaptations
- For a student in a wheelchair, adapt the course for wheeling and immobilize only upper-body parts.
- For students with autism or shy students, rehearse first with a stuffed animal or with the teacher as the patient.
- For fitter students, add an extra lap or a hopping section when the foot isn't bandaged.
Learning goals
- Identify joints and their role in movement.
- Adapt the way one moves when a body segment can't be used.
- Care for and help a partner during the task.
Equipment for a class of 25
- masking tape: 2
- body part cards: 20
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Precut the tape and stick the pieces along the edge of a table to save time; it's a great chance to talk about how people with an injury or disability feel.
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