Embedded Files
Introduction
Start this topic off with the following discussion questions to generate interest in the topic and see what students already know:
Why is getting enough sleep so important for both our minds and bodies?
What happens if we don't get enough sleep? What areas of our lives would this affect?
Why do you think we have dreams and nightmares? What even are they!?
What advice would you give a friend who is having trouble sleeping?
Watch
Choose at least one video to watch but enjoy as many as you'd like throughout the month.
Jessi stayed up too late, so she's feeling really tired. Luckily, she isn't too tired to tell you all about what happens when we sleep and why we feel so terrible when we don't get enough sleep!
Dr Xand and Dr Chris are going on an Investigation Ouch mission to find out about the science of sleeping. They are going through THE SLEEPING TEST!
Today we are going to explore the amazing world of of sleep! So why is sleep so important? Research shows that sleep impacts our ability to fight off illness, focus and understanding, mood and happiness level, resiliency and toughness, and learning and memory. But have no fear my sleepy friends, Mr. Wellness and his friends have got the steps to help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep with another Wellness 101 Junior!
Being tired can make it hard to focus, and it can make you feel irritated and cranky. Most kids need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night, so learn about making a sleep routine you can stick to.
Not only is sleep vital for promoting a child’s physical health, it also plays a critical role in their ability to learn and overall wellbeing. When a child gets the right amount of sleep for their age, they will pay better attention in school and remember what they learned, will be creative, think of new ideas, fight sickness, get along better with friends and family.
Designed for parents with children ages 6-12, this video discusses the importance of sleep, how much sleep your child needs and how to foster good sleep habits with your child.
(This would also be great for older students to watch.)
Healthy sleep habits for elementary aged students!
Read
Use these resources to help students learn about being well rested!
A Guide To Healthy Sleep
A Guide To Healthy Sleep
Middle school students can use this article to read about the various aspects of creating healthy sleep routines and learn about the benefits of getting good sleep.
Activity
Choose at least one activity to complete but enjoy as many as you'd like throughout the month.
Sleep Tips Poster
Sleep Tips Poster
Have students choose one of these groups and create a poster aimed at helping that group of students learn about healthy sleep and tips for achieving it. They can do their own research or use information from the videos above.
Dream Illustrator
Dream Illustrator
Students can draw a dream they remember having. Students who are able can also describe their dream and/or turn it into a story!
Snooze Clues
Snooze Clues
Students can use this as a review after learning about sleep or they can complete the questions they already know and research any questions they need to learn about!
Create Sleep Brochure
Create Sleep Brochure
Use this website to create a brochure for parents who need to learn about healthy bedtime routines and how to create them for their kids. This is a good option for older students to conduct research and write about their learning.
Anti Screen Debate
Anti Screen Debate
Ask students to prepare one side of an argument about if screens should be restricted in the hour leading up to bedtime. Depending on the age of students, they could debate each other. You could also prepare one side of the argument or simply ask your student to write you a persuasive essay on one side of the argument.
Sleep Log
Sleep Log
This month have students keep a sleep log. They can use this one or create their own. Each week have them consider making one positive adjustment to their routine to see if and how it impacts their sleep. Have a discussion or ask students to write down what they learned about their routine, how it is affecting their sleep and how any adjustments they made worked out.
When is Bedtime?
When is Bedtime?
Do a little research with students to determine how many hours of sleep they should be getting each night. Then, have them evaluate if their current bedtime is doing the job or if it should be adjusted.
Anti Screen Debate
Anti Screen Debate
Ask students to prepare one side of an argument about if screens should be restricted in the hour leading up to bedtime. Depending on the age of students, they could debate each other. You could also prepare one side of the argument or simply ask your student to write you a persuasive essay on one side of the argument.
Healthy Habits
Healthy Habits
Use this activity to lead younger students in a discussion about healthy sleep habits.
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