The Doctor’s Visit Written by: Taghreed Najjar, Illustrated by: Aly Zainy Paperback – 2019 AramediA

by Written by: Taghreed Najjar (Author), Illustrated by: Aly Zainy (Author)

When it’s time to go to the Doctor’s appointment for a vaccination, Tala quickly hides under her bed and refuses to come out. Jad gently explains what the Doctor will do and convinces Tala that there is nothing to fear. How will Tala react? And is getting vaccinated really that scary? Tala is afraid of going to the Doctor for her vaccination shots. On the day that she has an appointment to visit the doctor she hides under the bed but Jad manages to convince her to go in his own special way. At the clinic the doctor tries to distract her by drawing her attention to the balloon poster on the wall. While Tala is counting the balloons, the Doctor gives Tala the injection and she does not feel a thing. It is Jad’s turn after her, but he is also scared of injections. Tala comforts him in the same way that the he had comforted her and laughingly advises him to count the balloons on the wall just like she did. This story uses humor to inform children about what they can expect from a visit to the doctor and eases any fear that they may have about going. Discussion * Why do we visit the doctor? Can we go to the doctor’s clinic if we are not feeling ill? Discuss the different reasons why people visit the doctor (treatment, prescriptions, vaccination etc.) * Why are some children afraid of going to the doctor? Explain the possible reasons for this fear and give the children the opportunity to express their personal feelings. * Why did Tala hide under the bed? How was Jad able to convince her to go to the clinic? Discuss how various persuasive language techniques can be used in dialogue and their importance when interacting with others. * Was Tala in pain when the doctor gave her the injection? Why do you think this was? Point out how cheerful the doctor was and how having a cheerful spirit helps to comfort others. * What are the qualities of your doctor? You could ask the children to describe the physical or appearance of the doctor or how they interact with them.