DARIEN, IL – To help educators communicate the principles of good sleep habits to their students, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, in partnership with Young Minds Inspired, has developed free standards-based lesson plans and engaging activities that will teach students in grades three to five, six to eight, and nine to 12 about the physical and mental benefits of healthy sleep.
“Healthy sleep is critical to children’s health, and so many — a third of children and a majority of teenagers — don’t get the sleep they need,” said Jennifer L. Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the AASM. “These resources will empower children to learn more about the importance of sleep in their lives and help them to develop healthy habits that will improve their health, emotional well-being, and school performance.”
Lesson plans are available in a downloadable, printer-friendly format and are categorized by grade level. The lesson plans are cross-curricular, allowing educators the flexibility to adapt and use the content in subject areas including arts, math, health, and social studies. In addition, there are guides to assist educators as they engage with their students.
For example, “Sleep Smart,” the program for grades three to five, offers three reproducible student activities, each of which involves active engagement, quizzes, and discussions. Students are also encouraged to take home and share the quiz with their families to test their knowledge and have a conversation about healthy sleep habits. The new “Sleep Well” program for grades nine to 12 focuses on the science behind the importance of a good night’s sleep, sleep tips to ensure healthy sleep habits and a sleep tracking chart.
Getting enough sleep is critical to a child’s physical, intellectual, and emotional development, affecting everything from weight to mood and attentiveness. Conversely, insufficient sleep — or being unable to sleep well — can cause a variety of health and behavioral problems in children. Students and educators can learn more about the importance of sleep using these free resources, available at https://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/sleep/.
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For more information about the lesson plans, or to schedule an interview with an AASM spokesperson, please contact [email protected].
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM has a combined membership of 12,000 accredited sleep centers and individuals, including physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with sleep disorders. As the leader in the sleep field, the AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research.
