At RisingOaks Early Learning | John Sweeney, the toddler room has been all about the heart! At the beginning of the month, we were delighted to welcome Nurse Dee into our classroom to teach the toddlers about their hearts. She explained that our hearts make a “lub dub” sound and pump blood all around our bodies. Wearing scrubs and a special teaching apron that showed our internal organs, she also brought along some REAL stethoscopes, which made the experience extra exciting for the children.
The toddlers were full of amazement as they listened to their own heartbeats, and their faces lit up with curiosity. This hands-on experience helped them begin to understand how their bodies work, while also building listening skills and introducing new words such as “heartbeat” and “stethoscope.” The visit also helped the toddlers learn about an important community helper—the nurse. They began to understand how nurses care for people, which quickly inspired kindness and nurturing throughout the classroom.
Before long, the toddler room turned into a very busy hospital! The children eagerly took on the role of the nurse, caring for their friends and educators. Through imaginative play, they practised sharing, turn-taking, and communication skills. As you walk past the room, you might hear phrases like, “You’re sick, let me hear your heart,” or be asked to lift your arm while they take your temperature.
The toddlers also explored various health care tools such as otoscopes, thermometers, and stethoscopes, and have become quite familiar with what each tool does. A magic ink science experiment created a simple version of the vascular system that magically appeared when painted. This STEM activity encouraged curiosity and early scientific thinking in a fun and engaging way.
It has been a month filled with discovery, caring, and lots of “lub dub” sounds! The toddlers have not only been learning about their bodies, but also about kindness, community, and looking after one another. We look forward to what next month has to offer.
