Why Sleep Matters? Teacher Script

Warm-Up: How Much Sleep? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off today, I want you to take a look at the Sleep Habits Warm-Up I've handed out. Don't worry, there are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts. Take a few minutes to answer the questions individually."

"Alright, let's briefly chat about what you wrote. Who felt like they usually get enough sleep? [Pause for hands] What about those who struggle to get enough? [Pause for hands] We all have different sleep patterns, and that's perfectly normal. Today, we're going to explore why sleep is so incredibly important and how we can all aim for better rest."

Introduction: The Power of Sleep (5 minutes)

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 1] Look at this first slide. Have you ever woken up feeling amazing, ready to tackle anything? Or, on the flip side, have you ever felt completely wiped out and struggled to focus? Often, the secret ingredient behind those feelings is sleep! Today, we're going to dive deep into understanding why sleep matters so much for us, especially as high school students."

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 2] Our mission today is to unlock your sleep potential. We'll understand why sleep is crucial, discover how it impacts your health and success, and learn what you can do to get better sleep. So, let's get started!"

Understanding Sleep's Impact (15 minutes)

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 3] First up, let's talk about the physical power of sleep. When you sleep, your body isn't just 'off'—it's actually really busy repairing and recharging itself. It boosts your immune system, which means fewer sick days! It also helps your body grow and repair muscles, and it keeps your heart healthy. Think about it: when you don't get enough sleep, do you feel more tired during sports or even just walking around?"

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 4] Beyond the physical, sleep has a huge impact on your mental well-being. Getting enough sleep can seriously improve your mood and reduce irritability. It helps you manage stress and anxiety better, supports how you regulate your emotions, and generally contributes to you feeling happier. Has anyone ever noticed they are more grumpy or stressed when they haven't slept well?"

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 5] And for all of you focused on school, listen up! Sleep is a brain booster. It enhances your memory and learning, which is super important for studying and retaining information. It improves your focus and concentration in class, and it even helps your problem-solving skills. So, if you want to perform better on tests and assignments, prioritizing sleep is a fantastic strategy."

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 6] In short, think of sleep as your superpower! It's not just resting; it's recharging every single part of you – your body, your brain, and your emotions. It's essential for you to be your best self."

Strategies for Better Sleep (10 minutes)

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 7] Now that we know why sleep is so important, let's talk about how we can actually get more of it. Our first tip is to stick to a schedule. This means trying to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. Why do you think consistency is so important for sleep? [Allow for student responses, guide to body clocks/circadian rhythm] Exactly! It helps regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally."

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 8] Next, let's talk about something many of us struggle with: screens! Tip number two is to power down before bed. Avoid phones, tablets, computers, and TV at least an hour before you plan to sleep. The blue light from these devices can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep. What are some things you could do instead of looking at a screen before bed? [Allow for student responses: reading, listening to music, talking to family, journaling, stretching, etc.]"

"[Display Why Sleep Matters? Slide Deck - Slide 9] Finally, tip number three: create a sleep sanctuary. This means making your bedroom dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable. Think about ways you can make your space more relaxing. Maybe use blackout curtains, turn off bright lights, or make sure your room isn't too warm. Again, consider reading a physical book or listening to calming music instead of scrolling on your phone."

Journal: My Sleep Action Plan (5 minutes)

"Now that we've discussed these strategies, I want you to think about what you can do. I'm handing out the My Sleep Action Plan Journal. On this journal, I want you to choose one or two of the strategies we talked about today – whether it's sticking to a schedule, powering down before bed, or creating a sleep sanctuary – and write down how you plan to try and implement it this week. This is for you to reflect and make a personal commitment. Take about five minutes for this."

Cool-Down: One Takeaway (5 minutes)

"Alright, as we wrap up today, I'm giving you a Sleep Reflection Cool-Down. On this sheet, I just want you to write down one key takeaway, one important thing you learned or realized about sleep today. This will be your exit ticket for class. Thanks everyone!"

Sleep Habits Warm-Up

Instructions: Answer the following questions honestly. There are no right or wrong answers!

1. On a typical school night, what time do you usually go to bed?
   
   
   
   

2. On a typical school night, what time do you usually wake up?
   
   
   
   

3. How many hours of sleep do you think you get on a typical school night?
   
   
   
   

4. How do you usually feel when you wake up in the morning? (Circle one)
   A. Refreshed and energized
   B. A little tired, but okay
   C. Exhausted and groggy
   
   
   
   

5. What is one thing you usually do in the hour before you go to bed? (e.g., watch TV, use phone, read, talk to family, etc.)
   
   
   
   

My Sleep Action Plan

Instructions: Based on what we discussed today, choose one or two strategies you can commit to trying this week to improve your sleep. Write down your plan below.

Strategy 1:

What strategy will you try?

How will you implement this strategy? Be specific!

What challenges might you face, and how will you overcome them?

Strategy 2 (Optional):

What other strategy will you try?

How will you implement this strategy? Be specific!

What challenges might you face, and how will you overcome them?

My Goal:

What do you hope to achieve by making these changes to your sleep habits?

Sleep Reflection Cool-Down

Instructions: Please write down one key takeaway or one important thing you learned about sleep today.

How do you feel about your own sleep habits after today's lesson?

Online Habits Warm Up

Take a moment to think about your online activities. Answer the questions below as honestly as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, just your experiences!

1. What is your favorite social media app or website? Why do you like it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How much time do you spend online each day (estimate)?
   
   
   
3. What is one thing you usually do when you are online? (e.g., watch videos, chat with friends, play games, learn new things)
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What is one question you have about using social media safely?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Social Media Smart: Protecting Yourself Online

Social media is everywhere! From sharing funny videos to chatting with friends, it's a huge part of how many of us connect. But just like crossing a busy street, you need to know the rules to stay safe. Being "social media smart" means understanding how to protect yourself and make good choices online.

Your Digital Footprint: Leave Good Tracks!

Imagine walking on a sandy beach. Every step you take leaves a footprint. Your "digital footprint" is similar! It's every trace you leave behind when you use the internet. This includes:

• Everything you post: photos, videos, comments, and status updates.
• Everything you "like" or "share".
• Even your profile picture and bio!

This footprint lasts a very long time, sometimes forever! Future schools, jobs, and even new friends might look at your digital footprint. So, it's super important to make sure it shows the best, kindest, and smartest version of YOU!

Guard Your Privacy: Who Sees What?

Think about your diary or personal journal. You probably wouldn't leave it open for everyone to read, right? Your social media should be similar. Privacy settings are your superpower for deciding who sees your stuff. Most social media apps let you choose:

• Public Profile: Anyone can see your posts and information.
• Private Profile: Only people you approve (your friends or followers) can see your posts.

Always check your privacy settings! Make sure they are set to what makes you feel safest and most comfortable. Never share personal information like your home address, phone number, or exact location with people you don't know and trust in real life.

Think Before You Share: Pause Before You Post!

It's easy to get excited and share something quickly. But before you hit that "post" button, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is it kind? Could this post hurt someone's feelings or make them look bad?
2. Is it safe? Does it share too much personal information? Are you comfortable with everyone seeing it?
3. Is it true? Did you double-check if the information is accurate? (More on this next!)
4. Is it permanent? Remember, even if you delete something, it might still exist somewhere online.

If the answer to any of these is "no," then it's probably best not to post it. Your online reputation is important!

Spotting the Fakes: Don't Fall for Misinformation!

The internet is full of amazing information, but it also has a lot of false or misleading information, sometimes called "misinformation" or "fake news." How can you tell the difference?

• Check the Source: Who posted it? Is it a well-known, trustworthy news organization or just a random account? Anyone can post anything online.
• Look for Crazy Headlines: If a headline sounds too wild to be true, it often is! Exaggerated language is a red flag.
• Read Beyond the Headline: Sometimes headlines are clickbait. Read the whole article before you believe it.
• Fact-Check: Do a quick search on a reliable search engine to see if other trustworthy sources are reporting the same thing.

Be an UPSTANDER: Kindness and Respect Online

Sometimes, people aren't very kind online. This is called "cyberbullying." It's when someone uses social media or technology to repeatedly hurt or embarrass someone else. If you ever see or experience cyberbullying:

1. Don't engage: Don't respond to negative comments or feed into drama.
2. Report it: Most platforms have ways to report unkind or inappropriate behavior.
3. Block the bully: You don't have to see or interact with people who are being mean.
4. Tell a trusted adult: Share what's happening with a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can help!

Remember, your online world should be a positive place. By being smart about your digital footprint, guarding your privacy, thinking before you share, spotting misinformation, and being kind, you can enjoy social media safely and responsibly!

Digital Footprint Worksheet

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

Read the article "Social Media Smart: Protecting Yourself Online" and answer the following questions.

Part 1: Your Digital Footprint

1. What is a "digital footprint"? Give two examples of things that contribute to your digital footprint.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Why is it important to be mindful of your digital footprint?
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Privacy and Sharing

3. What is the main difference between a "public profile" and a "private profile" on social media?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. List three types of personal information you should never share online with people you don't know and trust in real life.
   
   
   
5. Before you share something online, what are two questions you should ask yourself?
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Spotting Misinformation and Being Kind

6. Imagine you see a post that says, "Eating chocolate for breakfast makes you smarter!" What are two ways you could check if this information is true?
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. What is cyberbullying?
   
   
   
   
   
8. If you see someone being cyberbullied, what is one thing you can do to be an "upstander"?
   
   
   
   
   

Digital Footprint Worksheet Answer Key

Part 1: Your Digital Footprint

1. What is a "digital footprint"? Give two examples of things that contribute to your digital footprint.

   • Thought Process: The reading defines a digital footprint as every trace left behind when using the internet. It then gives specific examples. I need to pull the definition and two distinct examples.
   • Answer: A digital footprint is every trace you leave behind when you use the internet. Examples include photos, videos, comments, status updates, likes, shares, profile pictures, and bios. (Any two of these are acceptable.)
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Why is it important to be mindful of your digital footprint?

   • Thought Process: The reading states that the digital footprint lasts a long time and can be seen by future schools, jobs, and friends. The implication is that it shapes how others perceive you.
   • Answer: It's important because your digital footprint lasts a very long time, sometimes forever, and can be seen by future schools, jobs, and friends. It helps ensure your online presence reflects the best version of you.
     
     
     
     
     

Part 2: Privacy and Sharing

3. What is the main difference between a "public profile" and a "private profile" on social media?

   • Thought Process: The reading explicitly defines both public and private profiles in the privacy section.
   • Answer: With a public profile, anyone can see your posts and information. With a private profile, only people you approve (your friends or followers) can see your posts.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. List three types of personal information you should never share online with people you don't know and trust in real life.

   • Thought Process: The reading gives specific examples of personal information to keep private.
   • Answer: Your home address, phone number, and exact location. (Any three relevant personal identifiers are acceptable.)
     
     
     

5. Before you share something online, what are two questions you should ask yourself?

   • Thought Process: The reading provides a clear list of four questions to ask before posting. I need to pick any two.
   • Answer: Is it kind? Is it safe? Is it true? Is it permanent? (Any two of these are acceptable.)
     
     
     
     
     

Part 3: Spotting Misinformation and Being Kind

6. Imagine you see a post that says, "Eating chocolate for breakfast makes you smarter!" What are two ways you could check if this information is true?

   • Thought Process: The reading provides several tips for spotting misinformation. I need to apply them to the given scenario.
   • Answer: I could check the source to see who posted it, look for crazy headlines (as this sounds too wild to be true), read beyond just the headline, or fact-check by doing a quick search on a reliable search engine.
     
     
     
     
     
     

7. What is cyberbullying?

   • Thought Process: The reading defines cyberbullying in the "Be an UPSTANDER" section.
   • Answer: Cyberbullying is when someone uses social media or technology to repeatedly hurt or embarrass someone else.
     
     
     
     
     

8. If you see someone being cyberbullied, what is one thing you can do to be an "upstander"?

   • Thought Process: The reading provides a list of actions to take if you see cyberbullying. I need to pick one that demonstrates being an upstander.
   • Answer: Don't engage (don't respond to negative comments), report it, block the bully, or tell a trusted adult. (Any one of these is acceptable.)