On Thursday afternoon, the library at Aquebogue Elementary School was temporarily transformed into an emergency care facility — for stuffed animals. And all of the “doctors” were kindergarteners.
It was Teddy Bear Clinic day at the school and educators from the Stony Brook Trauma Center were on hand to teach the children about personal safety using a program sponsored by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
The program began with a review of injury prevention and basic safety: a reminder to the children how important it is to buckle up, wear a bike helmet and sit in the back seat of a car.
Afterwards the children donned surgical gloves, masks and hats to perform first aid procedures on stuffed bears, cats and even a wolf. They filled out medical forms, wrapped bandages around injured paws and comforted their “injured” pals.
“It’s a great program,” said principal Phil Kent, who was on had to assist the young doctors. “It helps them to learn about their bodies, about being safe and responsible and teaches them the importance of taking care of themselves.”
Once all the animals were cared for, the doctors and their patients posed for a group photo.
“It’s fun and that’s what school should be,” said teacher Keri Stromski. “They should be learning through play and through fun and that’s what we’re bringing back.”
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Katharine Schroeder
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