I Can't Sleep
What’s inside...
In the book 'I Can't Get to Sleep', a young boy faces difficulties falling asleep as lively and imaginative characters like a painting rhino and a pirate parrot keep him awake. The book delves into the challenges of finding comfort in bed, exploring tactile and sensory concepts such as texture, size, and sensory observation. A part of the best-selling Learn to Read series, it combines engaging storytelling with educational content adhering to core standards, designed to instill a love for reading and boost confidence in young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the character in the book couldn't sleep? What would you do if you felt the same?
How does the character try to solve their problem of not being able to sleep? Do you think those were good solutions?
How did you feel when the character finally found a way to sleep? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some things that help you feel sleepy? Can you think of new ideas from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the story and if they've ever experienced similar feelings.
Encourage your child to think about the solutions in the book and discuss whether those solutions could work for them.
Use a calm and soothing voice when discussing bedtime routines, as it helps set the right mood for sleep.
Relate the story to your child’s own bedtime practices, making connections between the book and their personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The child in the story faces the difficulty of not being able to sleep. Through various strategies and creative thinking, the child tries to find solutions to the problem.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing challenges is a part of life and that being proactive and thinking of various ways to solve a problem can be effective.
Example Lesson: Emotional expression
Explanation: The main character expresses feelings of frustration and sadness due to the inability to sleep, which helps in demonstrating healthy ways of handling emotions.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that it is okay to express their emotions and seek help when dealing with difficult feelings.
Example Lesson: Importance of routine
Explanation: Throughout the story, the incorporation of bedtime rituals and routines plays a part in soothing the child.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the significance of having a routine, especially a bedtime routine, which can aid in better sleep and overall well-being.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the child in the book continues to try different methods to fall asleep, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be persistent in their daily challenges and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: Seeking help
Explanation: The child seeks help from their parents, showing that seeking support is a positive step when solving problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask for help from parents or guardians when they face issues they cannot solve on their own.