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Sleep: Your Brain's Superpower!

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Melissa hofer

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Sleep Superpowers Lesson Plan

Students will understand why sleep is important for their bodies and brains and identify healthy sleep habits.

Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for 3rd graders to learn effectively, maintain good physical health, and manage their emotions. This lesson empowers them with knowledge to prioritize rest.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, engaging slides, and a hands-on activity.

Materials

  • Sleep Superpowers Slide Deck, - Drawing paper and crayons/markers, - Dreamy Draw Warm-Up, - Sleepy Time Routine Activity, and - Sleep Score Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review all generated materials: Sleep Superpowers Lesson Plan, Sleep Superpowers Slide Deck, Dreamy Draw Warm-Up, Sleepy Time Routine Activity, and Sleep Score Cool-Down.
  • Print out the Dreamy Draw Warm-Up for each student or prepare blank drawing paper.
  • Gather crayons or markers for the warm-up and activity.
  • Ensure the projector and computer are set up for the Sleep Superpowers Slide Deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Dreamy Draw

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Dreamy Draw Warm-Up or blank paper and drawing supplies.
  2. Ask students to draw or write about a dream they've had or what they imagine dreaming about.
  3. Briefly share a few examples as a class, highlighting the creativity of dreams.

Step 2

Introduction: What is Sleep?

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students what they think sleep is. (Use Slide 1: Title and Slide 2: What is Sleep?)
  2. Explain that sleep is a time when our bodies and brains rest and recharge, like a phone battery.

Step 3

Why Sleep Matters: Our Superpowers

10 minutes

  1. Use Slide 3: Why Do We Need Sleep? to discuss the benefits of sleep: energy, learning, and mood.
  2. Engage students with questions: "How do you feel when you get enough sleep?" "How do you feel when you don't?"
  3. Use Slide 4: What Happens When We Don't Get Enough Sleep? to briefly touch on feeling tired, grumpy, or having trouble focusing.
  4. Use Slide 5: How Much Sleep Do You Need? to highlight that 3rd graders need 9-11 hours of sleep each night.

Step 4

Healthy Sleep Habits: Becoming a Sleep Hero

5 minutes

  1. Use Slide 6: Healthy Sleep Habits to introduce simple routines.
  2. Discuss creating a bedtime routine (brushing teeth, reading a book, quiet time).
  3. Emphasize a dark, quiet room and avoiding screens before bed.
  4. Distribute Sleepy Time Routine Activity and have students draw or write about their ideal healthy bedtime routine.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Sleep Score

5 minutes

  1. Have students complete the Sleep Score Cool-Down.
  2. Review their responses to gauge understanding and address any remaining questions.
  3. Conclude by reiterating that sleep is a superpower that helps them be their best selves! (Use Slide 7: Your Sleep Superpowers!)
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Slide Deck

Sleep: Your Brain's Superpower!

Why do we sleep? What happens when we sleep? Let's find out!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of sleep!

What Is Sleep?

Sleep is when your body and brain rest and recharge.

Think of it like charging your phone or tablet overnight!

Ask students what they think sleep is. Guide them to understand it's a time for rest and repair.

Why Do We Need Sleep?

Sleep helps you:

  • Have lots of ENERGY to play and learn!
  • Help your BRAIN LEARN and remember new things!
  • Keep your MOOD HAPPY and help you feel calm.

Discuss the three main benefits of sleep with the students. Ask for examples of how they feel when they have energy, learn new things, or are in a good mood.

What Happens Without Enough Sleep?

When you don't get enough sleep, you might feel:

  • Tired and sleepy during the day
  • Grumpy or easily upset
  • Have trouble focusing in class

Briefly mention what happens without enough sleep. Keep it age-appropriate and focus on feeling tired or grumpy.

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Third graders need about 9 to 11 hours of sleep every single night!

That's a lot of Zzzzzs!

Emphasize the specific sleep hours for 3rd graders. Ask students to estimate how much sleep they got last night.

Healthy Sleep Habits

To be a Sleep Super-Hero, try these tips:

  • Go to bed around the same time every night.
  • Have a relaxing bedtime routine (read a book, take a warm bath).
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Turn off screens (TV, tablets, phones) at least an hour before bed.

Go over practical tips for healthy sleep habits. Encourage students to think about their own routines.

You've Got Sleep Superpowers!

Now you know how important sleep is for your body and brain. Use your new superpower to feel great every day!

Conclude by empowering students to use their knowledge of sleep.

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Script

Sleep Superpowers: Teacher Script

Part 1: Warm-Up: Dreamy Draw (5 minutes)

(Distribute drawing paper or the Dreamy Draw Warm-Up and crayons/markers to each student.)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps our bodies and brains every single day. But first, let's get our imaginations going! I want you to close your eyes for a moment and think about a dream you've had. Maybe it was funny, or silly, or an adventure! Or, if you can't remember a dream, just imagine what you would like to dream about.





Now, on your paper, I want you to draw or write about that dream. What did you see? What did you do? Take about 3-4 minutes to create your dreamy picture or story."

(Walk around and observe students' drawings.)

Teacher: "Wow, these dreams are amazing! Who would like to share a quick peek at their dreamy creation?" (Call on a few students to share briefly.) "It's incredible what our minds can do when we're asleep, isn't it?"

Part 2: Introduction: What is Sleep? (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 1: Title - Sleep: Your Brain's Superpower!)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to uncover why sleep is like having a superpower! Many of you just shared about dreams, and dreams happen when we're asleep. So, let's start with a big question: What is sleep? Turn and talk to a partner for 30 seconds: What do you think sleep is?"

(Allow 30 seconds for partner discussion. Then bring the class back.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! Let's see what our slide says. " (Display Slide 2: What is Sleep?)

Teacher: "Sleep is when your body and brain rest and recharge. Think of it like charging your phone or tablet overnight! When you plug in your devices, they fill up with energy so you can use them all day long. Sleep does the same thing for us! It's like our body's nightly charging station."

Part 3: Why Sleep Matters: Our Superpowers (10 minutes)

(Display Slide 3: Why Do We Need Sleep?)

Teacher: "So, if sleep is our body's charging station, why do we need to be fully charged? What 'superpowers' does sleep give us?" (Pause for student responses.) "Exactly! Sleep helps us in three big ways: it gives us energy, helps our brains learn, and keeps our moods happy.

"First, ENERGY! When you get enough sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go! You have the energy to run, jump, play, and pay attention in class. How do you feel on a morning after a really good night's sleep? What kinds of things can you do with all that energy?"

"Next, our BRAINS LEARN! Even when you're sleeping, your brain is still working hard! It's like a super smart librarian, organizing all the new things you learned that day. It helps you remember your math facts, new vocabulary words, and even the rules to a new game. Have you ever noticed that sometimes after a good night's sleep, something you were struggling with suddenly feels easier? That's your brain organizing!"

"Finally, sleep helps keep our MOODS HAPPY! When we're well-rested, we're usually calmer, less grumpy, and ready to be kind to our friends. When you're sleepy, how do you sometimes feel?"

(Display Slide 4: What Happens Without Enough Sleep?)

Teacher: "That's right, if we don't get enough sleep, we might feel tired, grumpy, or have trouble focusing. It's hard to be our best selves when we're running on empty!"

(Display Slide 5: How Much Sleep Do You Need?)

Teacher: "So, how much sleep do amazing 3rd graders like you need? The answer is about 9 to 11 hours of sleep every single night! That's a lot of Zzzzzs, but it's what your growing bodies and super-learning brains need to thrive."

Part 4: Healthy Sleep Habits: Becoming a Sleep Hero (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 6: Healthy Sleep Habits)

Teacher: "Now that we know why sleep is so important, let's talk about how we can make sure we get those important hours of sleep. Here are some tips to become a 'Sleep Super-Hero':

  • Go to bed around the same time every night. Even on weekends, try to stick to a similar schedule. This helps your body know when it's time to rest.
  • Have a relaxing bedtime routine. What do you do to get ready for bed? Maybe it's brushing your teeth, putting on pajamas, or reading a quiet book. What are some relaxing things you could add to your routine?
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. This helps your body know it's time to sleep.
  • Turn off screens (like TVs, tablets, or phones) at least an hour before bed. The bright lights can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep."

(Distribute the Sleepy Time Routine Activity.)

Teacher: "Now, on your worksheet, I want you to draw or write about your ideal healthy bedtime routine. What steps will you take to make sure you get your 9-11 hours of sleep and activate your sleep superpowers?"

(Allow students a few minutes to work on their activity. Circulate and assist as needed.)

Part 5: Cool-Down: Sleep Score (5 minutes)

(Collect the Sleepy Time Routine Activity and distribute the Sleep Score Cool-Down.)

Teacher: "Alright, future Sleep Super-Heroes! To wrap up our lesson, please fill out this quick 'Sleep Score' sheet. It will help me see what you learned and how you're feeling about sleep."

(Allow students 2-3 minutes to complete the cool-down. Collect when finished.)

(Display Slide 7: You've Got Sleep Superpowers!)

Teacher: "Remember, sleep isn't just about closing your eyes; it's about giving your body and brain the incredible power they need to learn, play, and be happy every single day! You've all got sleep superpowers, so make sure to use them! Great job today, everyone!"

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lenny

Warm Up

Dreamy Draw: What Do You Dream About?

Instructions:

  1. Close your eyes for a moment and think about a dream you've had recently. Was it funny, exciting, or a bit silly?
  2. If you can't remember a dream, imagine what you would like to dream about tonight!
  3. On this paper, draw a picture of your dream or the dream you'd like to have. You can also write a few words about it.











































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lenny

Activity

Sleepy Time Routine Activity

Instructions:

Sleep is your superpower! To make sure you get enough sleep, it helps to have a relaxing bedtime routine.

On this page, draw or write about your ideal healthy bedtime routine. What steps will you take to get ready for bed and ensure you get 9-11 hours of sleep?

Think about:

  • What time will you start getting ready?
  • What quiet activities will you do?
  • How will you make your room ready for sleep?
  • What time will you aim to be asleep?













































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lenny

Cool Down

Sleep Score Cool-Down

Instructions:

Take a moment to reflect on what you learned about sleep today. Please answer the questions below.

  1. How important do you think sleep is now?
    (Circle one)
    • Not important
    • A little important
    • Important
    • Very important!




  1. What is one new thing you learned about sleep today?






  2. What is one thing you can do tonight or this week to be a Sleep Super-Hero?






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