Naomi Learns the Importance of Sleep
What’s inside...
This children's book, authored by Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, addresses the importance of sleep through the tale of Naomi, a girl who struggles with bedtime. As a sleep expert and cognitive behavioral therapist, Dr. Kushnir explains the benefits of sleep and its various stages in a manner that's both fun and educational for children. The story aims to help kids and parents understand why a good night's sleep is crucial and encourages healthier sleep routines through engaging storytelling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think sleep is important for Naomi?
How do you feel when you don't get enough sleep?
What are some things Naomi does to get ready for bed?
Can you think of a time when you were really sleepy? What happened?
How can we make bedtime more fun and relaxing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the book together before your child's bedtime to incorporate it into your evening routine.
Relate the story to your child’s own bedtime habits and discuss any similarities or differences.
Encourage your child to express how they feel when they're tired versus when they're well-rested.
Use Naomi's bedtime routine in the book as a template to create or refine your child's own nighttime routine.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their ideal bedtime routine, inspired by Naomi’s story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Adequate Sleep
Explanation: Naomi learns through various experiences in the story that getting enough sleep is crucial for her energy, mood, and overall well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by adopting a consistent bedtime routine to ensure they get sufficient sleep, enhancing their daily functioning and health.
Example Lesson: Listening to One's Body
Explanation: Throughout the book, Naomi encounters signs of tiredness and learns to heed these signals by resting, showing the importance of listening to physical cues.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to pay attention to their body's signals, such as tiredness or hunger, and respond appropriately to maintain good health.
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: Naomi struggles with balancing playtime and rest, and she learns to manage her time better to include adequate sleep.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of time management in balancing fun activities and necessary rest, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Example Lesson: The Role of Bedtime Routines
Explanation: The story illustrates how a calming bedtime routine helps Naomi fall asleep easier and faster.
Real-World Application: Children can establish their own bedtime routines, such as reading or quiet time, to signal their body it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.