The Playground Vet Clinic

Half the class are animals out for a walk who hurt a paw, and the other half are vets who take them to the clinic, wrap them with a scarf and check they can walk again. It works on imitating animals, moving with one “hurt” body part and caring for others.

How to play

1. The teacher assigns roles: animals walk around as whatever animal they like, and vets wait at the clinic (mats) with their scarf bandages (2 min).
2. Animals walk around and, when the teacher says “Ouch!”, each one hurts a paw or a wing and keeps going with a limp or a drooping wing (3 min).
3. Vets go get an animal, lead it by the hand to the clinic, gently wrap the sore spot and give it pretend medicine (3 min).
4. The healed animal tests its paw: walks slowly, then faster, and finally jumps for joy; it gives the scarf back (2 min).
5. Switch roles and play again (4 min).
6. All the healthy animals thank the vets with their animal sound (1 min).

Rules

• The hurt animal moves carefully without using the sore part.
• The vet wraps gently, never tight.
• Each vet takes care of one animal at a time.
• Then we switch: everyone is an animal and a vet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: can be a vet at the clinic, where animals are brought to them, and as an animal hurts a wing (arm).
• Autism: if touch is uncomfortable, the vet wraps a stuffed animal the child carries instead of their body.
• Visual impairment: their animal or vet describes out loud where it hurts and guides their hand.

Learning goals

• Move without using one body part (limping, holding an arm still).
• Imitate animals in pretend play.
• Help and care for a classmate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Scarves: 15
• Mats: 3

Teacher tip

Before starting, show how to bandage: one gentle wrap of the scarf and a loose bow, or just drape it on. Don't let anyone limp for long: two or three limping steps are enough to get to the clinic.

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