Students will understand the importance of sleep, identify healthy sleep routines, and recognize how sleep affects their daily well-being.
Good sleep is crucial for physical health, emotional regulation, and academic success. This lesson will help students feel their best and learn more effectively by understanding and practicing healthy sleep habits.
Audience
4th Grade Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual presentation, and personal reflection.
Materials
The Power of Sleep Slide Deck, My Sleep Tracker & Dream Log, and Pencils/Crayons
Begin by asking students: "What do you think happens to your body and brain when you sleep?" Allow for a few student responses. - Introduce the lesson by saying, "Today, we're going to discover your 'Sleep Superpowers'! We'll learn why sleep is so important and how you can get the best sleep possible." - Display the title slide from the The Power of Sleep Slide Deck.
Step 2
The Science of Sleep
10 minutes
Advance through the The Power of Sleep Slide Deck focusing on slides that explain 'What is Sleep?', 'Why Do We Need Sleep?', 'Sleep and Your Brain', and 'Sleep and Your Body'. - Facilitate a discussion with questions like: "How does sleep help your body grow?" or "What are some things your brain does while you're sleeping?" - Emphasize the benefits: more energy, better mood, improved focus, and stronger learning abilities.
Step 3
Healthy Sleep Habits
10 minutes
Continue with the The Power of Sleep Slide Deck to discuss 'Healthy Sleep Habits'. - Lead a brainstorming session: "What are some things you can do to help yourself get good sleep?" Guide students to think about consistent bedtimes, dark and quiet rooms, and avoiding screens before bed. - Encourage students to share their current bedtime routines and identify one new habit they might try.
Step 4
Reflection & Tracker
5 minutes
Distribute the My Sleep Tracker & Dream Log to each student. - Explain how to use the tracker to record their sleep patterns and any dreams they remember. - "This journal will help you become a sleep detective! You'll track your sleep and see how it makes you feel." - Assign the journal as a take-home activity for the next week, encouraging them to bring it back to share their discoveries.
Slide Deck
Sleep Superpowers!
Why is sleep so important for growing bodies and minds?
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of sleep superpowers. Ask them what they think sleep does for them.
What is Sleep?
It's a special time when your body and brain rest and recharge. Think of it like plugging in your phone to charge!
Explain that sleep isn't just 'doing nothing.' It's a busy time for our bodies and brains to rest and repair.
Why Do We Need Sleep?
Sleep helps you:
Have energy for running, playing, and learning!
Be in a good mood and feel less grumpy.
Concentrate better in school.
Discuss the direct benefits students can relate to: having energy for school and play, and feeling happy.
Sleep and Your Brain
While you sleep, your brain:
Sorts and stores all the amazing things you learned today.
Helps you remember new facts and skills.
Gets ready to solve new problems tomorrow!
Explain how sleep helps the brain process information from the day and prepare for new learning.
Sleep and Your Body
While you sleep, your body:
Grows strong and healthy.
Repairs itself after a busy day.
Boosts your immune system to fight off sickness.
Connect sleep to physical health and growth. Emphasize that sleep helps them grow big and strong.
Healthy Sleep Habits
To get your best sleep:
Go to bed at the same time every night (even on weekends!).
Make your room dark, quiet, and cool.
Avoid screens (like phones or tablets) for an hour before bed.
Read a book or listen to calming music before sleeping.
Introduce practical, actionable habits. Ask students which ones they already do and which they might try.
Your Sleep Superpowers!
You have the power to choose healthy sleep habits and unlock your very own sleep superpowers!
When you sleep well, you wake up ready to conquer the day!
Encourage students that they have control over their sleep and can make choices to improve it.
This will help you become a sleep detective and understand your own sleep superpowers!
Introduce the journal activity and explain its purpose: to track sleep and reflect on how it impacts them. Remind them about the My Sleep Tracker & Dream Log.
Journal
My Sleep Tracker & Dream Log
Name:
Date:
Instructions:
For the next 5 days, track your sleep habits and record your dreams or how you felt when you woke up.
Day 1:
Bedtime:
Wake-up Time:
How many hours did you sleep?
Did you have any dreams? What were they about? (If no dream, how did you feel when you woke up?)
Day 2:
Bedtime:
Wake-up Time:
How many hours did you sleep?
Did you have any dreams? What were they about? (If no dream, how did you feel when you woke up?)
Day 3:
Bedtime:
Wake-up Time:
How many hours did you sleep?
Did you have any dreams? What were they about? (If no dream, how did you feel when you woke up?)
Day 4:
Bedtime:
Wake-up Time:
How many hours did you sleep?
Did you have any dreams? What were they about? (If no dream, how did you feel when you woke up?)
Day 5:
Bedtime:
Wake-up Time:
How many hours did you sleep?
Did you have any dreams? What were they about? (If no dream, how did you feel when you woke up?)
Reflection:
What did you notice about your sleep over these five days?
Did you feel different on days when you slept more or less? How?
What is one healthy sleep habit you want to try to keep doing?
