The Sleep Scan: Includes Mindfulness Trick to Help Children Sleep
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What’s inside...
The Sleep Scan is a children's book that offers a practical and engaging mindfulness technique to help children relax and fall asleep. The book is designed to be read by parents to their children and includes a simple, guided mindfulness practice that encourages relaxation and prepares children for a restful night's sleep. The story follows Freddie, who wakes up grumpy after a bad night's sleep and has a tough day at school. When Nana tries to help him at dinner time, he snaps at her.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the mindfulness trick used in the story to help the characters sleep? Can you think of a time when it might help you?
How did the characters feel before they tried the sleep trick? How did their feelings change afterwards?
Why do you think it's important to have a good night's sleep? How do you feel when you sleep well?
Can you describe how the characters used their imagination during the mindfulness trick? What would you imagine to help you relax and fall asleep?
If you could create your own sleep trick, what would it involve? Let's think about what would make it fun and calming.
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about sleep and any difficulties they may face, linking it back to the characters in the book.
Discuss the importance of routines and how implementing certain activities, like the mindfulness trick from the book, might be beneficial for them.
Share your experiences with sleep and any tricks you use, making the conversation a two-way dialogue that includes personal anecdotes.
Use the mindfulness trick from the book as a practical activity during bedtime. You can guide your child through the process, helping them visualize and calm down before sleep.
Reinforce the message that good sleep is a crucial part of health, just like eating well and exercising, providing a holistic view on well-being.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of mindfulness
Explanation: The story introduces mindfulness techniques that help children unwind and prepare for sleep.
Real-World Application: Children can use mindfulness techniques to calm down and focus before bedtime or any stressful situation.
Example Lesson: Value of a bedtime routine
Explanation: The narrative centers around a specific bedtime routine that includes a mindfulness trick, emphasizing consistency.
Real-World Application: Regular bedtime routines can help children establish healthy sleep habits that improve their overall sleep quality.
Example Lesson: Managing emotions
Explanation: The book illustrates how recognizing and soothing one’s emotions before bed can lead to a more restful sleep.
Real-World Application: Children learn to address and manage their feelings, which is useful in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.