Be sure they know which activities they can do after they nap: “You can come to the table and work on puzzles” or “play with clay” or “draw with markers”-a quiet transition to the afternoon activities and busy explorations. As children awaken, remind them that others are still relaxing, so they need to talk quietly. Guide them in making good personal choices. When the children are ready to get up, let them! Help children recognize when their bodies have had enough rest. Moon Dreams, by Ruth Martin, The Napping House, by Audrey Wood, and Time for Bed, by Mem Fox, are three books that convey a sense of warmth and calmness.Īfter having a great morning together, share a lullaby or a repetitive poem. Even very young children can enjoy relaxing to classical music-or to the sound of whales communicating or waves breaking on the beach. Listening to calming music can help a child regain balance. It’s a warm, sunny day, and we are lying under a tree. Teachers can help create a peaceful image in children’s minds: “Let’s imagine. Visualization, also known as visual guided imagery, is a technique that uses the imagination to slow thoughts down and release worries. Start with the toes move up to the legs, stomach, arms … and finally, the face and the scalp-if anyone is still awake! Teach children to tense and then relax different muscle groups. Progressive muscle relaxation is a wonderful way to relieve stress. Repeat until relaxation-or sleep-happens. Coach children to simply breathe in deeply Taking deep breaths slows down the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes a feeling of being in control.

The following are skills that children can use at nap time on their cots and at bedtime at home.Ĭoncentrating on deep breathing is an effective way to calm the body’s natural response to stress. Make it your priority to develop a warm and caring relationship with each child.Įarly childhood educators can give children coping mechanisms to deal with stress or chaos. Show them that you cherish and appreciate them. Talk softly, dim the lights, and give every child a hug, a pat on the back, or a low five. Teachers can comfort children by saying, “You can go to sleep now, and I will watch over you.” Restful sleep is an act of trust. Children need to know that in the classroom there are no ghosts, no scary situations, no upsetting scenarios. When the lights go out, tensions build-they may hear parents arguing or loud noises from outside or be aware of unsafe neighborhood conditions. Some children may experience anxiety in their home lives. Slowing down the nap time routine promotes relaxation and helps children de-stress. It’s amazing to see the confidence, self-esteem, and independence children develop carrying out familiar routines without adult intervention. Effective teachers offer support and guidance from the wings while children engage in tasks tailored to their abilities. Keep in mind that it’s not the teacher’s job to do tasks that children are capable of doing for themselves. Make it easy for children to locate the right cot by labeling them with children’s names and pictures.Īssist children in getting their bedding and placing it on the cot, if they need help.Įncourage them gently and quietly during this routine. Remind them to wash their hands and faces. Let each child leave the table when finished with lunch instead of having children wait until everyone is finished-waiting is generally not children’s strong suit! What can you do to create an environment of relaxation and to help release children from the activities and tensions of the day? Here are some suggestions. Look beyond the many small tasks that make up nap time. Instead, preschool staff might start by using the transition to nap time as an opportunity to help children take a break from the day’s activities.įirst of all, slooooooow doooown! What’s the rush? When teachers are relaxed, children can relax too.ĭaily routines offer children a sense of consistency and security. Nap time is one of those daily rituals that can end up being stressful rather than relaxing-for children and for teachers.

Rest time clipart