The first-grade classrooms at Viewmont Elementary sounded a little different this week. Instead of the usual chatter about recess or math, the air was filled with talk of "patients," "splints," and "treatment forms." Thanks to our partners at Intermountain Health, students stepped into the shoes of caregivers during the school’s first-ever Teddy Bear Clinic.

The goal of the event was simple but profound: to take the fear out of healthcare. By transforming the classroom into a miniature medical center, clinicians from Intermountain Medical Center (mostly nurses) helped students see that hospital visits aren't scary—they're actually about helping and healing.

A Day in the Life of a "Bear Doctor"

Each student was paired with a brand-new teddy bear and a Check-In Form to document their patient's health. The first order of business? Giving their furry friends a name. From "Sparkle" to "Super Bear," the patients were officially admitted and ready for their rounds.

Clinicians led the students through several small-group sessions, teaching them the "tools of the trade." The first graders didn't just watch; they were hands-on throughout the entire process:

• Vitals & Exams: Students used thermometers to check for fevers and tongue depressors to peer into their bears' throats.

• Injury Care: Using Coban (that colorful, stretchy wrap) and fabric, the children fashioned arm slings and splints to treat imaginary tumbles.

• The Finishing Touches: No check-up is complete without bandaids, long Q-tips for "ointment," and even small masks to keep everyone healthy.

"Watching the kids' faces go from nervous to confident was the best part," said Vange Watts, first grade teacher. "When they realize they can help their bear feel better, they realize that doctors and nurses are there to help them feel better, too."

The "Doctor’s Bag" Essentials

To keep the learning going at home, every student received their own First Aid Red Box. These kits were packed with all the supplies used during the clinic, allowing the students to continue their "medical practice" long after the clinicians left.

The Supply List included:

• A plush Teddy Bear

• Official Check-In Form

• Coban & Fabric Slings

• Tongue Depressors & Thermometers

• Bandaids & Q-tips

• Safety Scissors & Masks

• The Reward: A special treat of ABC Bunny Bites for a job well done!

Normalizing Care

By the end of the visit, the "patients" were well-bandaged and the students were beaming with pride. Events like the Teddy Bear Clinic are vital for early childhood development; they provide a safe space for children to process their anxieties about needles, white coats, and hospitals through the power of play. One student remarked: "I'm going to take my bear with me if I go to a hospital or a doctor's office!", while many others shared that it was the “best day ever.” 

A huge thank you to the team from Intermountain Health for bringing their expertise, their kindness, and a lot of fluff to Viewmont Elementary. We have a feeling the future of healthcare looks very bright in the hands of these first graders!