Playful pretend meets problem solving in Doc McStuffins All Better! Game. I could hardly open the package fast enough as little hands were grabbing for Doc’s tools–magnifying glass, otoscope, stethoscope, reflex hammer, syringe and thermometer–and trying them out on each other. Spread out the tools and snap bandages matching each tool, and spin the spinner to get your instructions. Name a tool and snap the corresponding bandage on another player (with the tool illustration on the inside of the bandage so no one sees it), “use a tool” to match to a bandage on someone, or spin the “All Better” option when any tool can be used. Make the boo boos go away with a correct match of a tool and bandage to win a scoring tile and put the bandage back in the pile for further play. Memory skills are further challenged as bandaids are re-used and players have to remember who is wearing which bandaid. When we were packing up the game pieces stored in Doc’s bag, mom commented, “That could be the best part of the game!” My little friends tapped into the role play aspect of the game, exercising language learning as they chatted up the role of Doc McStuffins using the tools to perform “check ups” on each other. My 3, 6 and 8 year-old friends were so engrossed in play that they didn’t realize they were walking out the door with bandaids still on their arms!
About Erika
