Genre: Children’s Educational
Runtime: 53 minutes
Age Range: Preschool
"Elmo Visits the Doctor" Overview
“Elmo Visits the Doctor” takes on the daunting task of helping small children feel comfortable about going to the doctor when they are sick, or when it is time for a check-up. The DVD features many of kids’ favorite Sesame Street characters as well as real children talking about what pediatricians do and the equipment they use. The DVD contains several segments including:
- Sesame Street Muppets in a doctor’s office waiting room sing about symptoms and needing to see the doctor.
- Elmo and Big Bird visit the doctor.
- Demonstrations by both puppets and people of what happens at a doctor’s appointment
- Lessons such as the need to finish all antibiotics and how to cover one’s mouth when sneezing
- Children talk about pediatricians and visiting the doctor.
- An “Elmo’s World” segment all about doctors
Guide Review of "Elmo Visits the Doctor"
“Elmo Visits the Doctor” is a great tool for parents, especially when children get just old enough to know what going to the doctor means.
Familiarity is key in overcoming fears. “Elmo Visits the Doctor” effectively discusses what doctors do and describes the equipment used in a typical visit, such as a stethoscope, tongue depressor, and an otoscope. Learning what these tools are, and especially what each one is used for, will be interesting and comforting to children.
The video addresses fears about seeing the doctor, but I was expecting more in the way of a story segment, where a child’s fear about going to the doctor is pointedly discussed and concerns resolved. Although Elmo learns that going to the doctor wasn’t as scary as he had anticipated, children briefly talk about not being scared to go to the pediatrician, and a boy’s check-up visit is shown, the segments are fast-paced. This and other material will help to diminish children’s doctor fears, but none of the segments really delve into discussing a child’s fears and reaching a pre-visit resolution. For a child who is truly frightened to go to the doctor, parents can use the DVD as an upbeat and friendly springboard to talk about the upcoming visit.
"Elmo Visits the Doctor" DVD Special Features
- Kid-friendly Instant Play
- Elmo Doctor Game
Ideas for Expanding on the Curriculum of "Elmo Visits the Doctor"
- Role play a doctor’s visit with your child. Pretend you are the doctor, and demonstrate what doctor’s do and why. Then, let your child have a turn being the doctor.
