Children have different requirements for sleep. Some need more, some need less. Sleep can ease stress, but some children find going to sleep stressful.
Early childhood educators can help children develop positive habits and sleep associations, and teach children why people need to rest to stay healthy.
NQS and EYLF
The National Quality Standard requires early learning services to provide for each child’s wellbeing and comfort, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation (2.1.1). Also, each child's agency should be promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world - including sleep (1.2.3).
The Early Years Learning Framework aims for children to feel safe, secure and supported (1.1), become strong in their emotional wellbeing (3.1), and take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing (3.2).
Learning experiences
Make dream catchers
Dream catchers were traditionally used to hang above babies' beds, to protect them and help them sleep. Support children to make their own dream catchers from recycled materials, hula hoops, wool, string, beads, feathers, and other loose parts. Children can make individual dream catchers or work together as a group.
Put dolls to bed
Designate an area in your classroom to become a doll's bedroom. Use cradles or cardboard boxes as beds for soft toys or baby dolls. Encourage children to tuck their babies in, give them pats, and sing them lullabies. Play relaxing music in the background.
Read bedtime stories
Read story books about bedtime or going to sleep. Children may curl up on the floor with a cushion or blanket, pretending to sleep while they listen to the story.
Discussions
- What is your bedtime routine? What is your morning routine after you wake up?
- Do you have comforters to help you sleep?
- What makes a comfortable and calming sleep environment? E.g. right temperature, dim lighting and soft bedding.
- Can you tell us about a dream you had?
- Why do we need to sleep? Does everyone sleep? Do animals sleep?
Resources
Picture books
- Time for Bed by Mem Fox
- Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Music
- Teeny Tiny Stevies: Sleep through the night
- Justine Clarke: Goodnight goodnight
- The Wiggles: Wake up