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NHLBIHIN

September 9, 2005

Sleep Well, Do Well: Start the School Year Right

Children ages 7 to 11 need at least 9 hours of sleep on a regular basis, and inadequate sleep can impair their attention, learning, and performance of everyday activities. The materials featured in this Health Action e-Bulletin are specifically geared towards helping elementary school teachers and parents teach kids about the importance of sleep. See the collection of sleep resources below from NHLBI and help kids sleep well so they do well!


TIME for Kids

In a collaboration with TIME for Kids, NHLBI produced sleep education materials for 3rd graders and their teachers for National Sleep Awareness Week in 2004 and 2005. These materials are available on the NHLBI Web site and ideal for starting off the school year right. They can be used online or printed locally on a color printer for use in the classroom or at home.

TIME for Kids Star Sleeper Student Guide*
This booklet for elementary school students offers three colorful pages of sleep information and two activities for kids:
  1. Garfield's roadmap to good sleep with signs along the way containing helpful tips for kids to sleep well
  2. A picture puzzle where kids can identify things that could prevent them from getting a good night's sleep
TIME for Kids Star Sleeper Teacher's Guide*
This guide provides teachers with ideas for using the TIME for Kids materials in the classroom and includes two student handouts—a Sleep Diary that kids can fill out and a Door Hanger with a list of good sleep habits for kids to hang on their bedroom doors. The Teacher’s Guide also includes a take-home letter for parents on the importance of sleep for their children and tips on achieving it.

* Copyright restrictions prohibit reprinting for sale, but individual teachers can print and make copies for student use.

Garfield Star Sleeper Fun Pad

Expand and reinforce concepts with this fun booklet for elementary school age kids. Children will enjoy this fun pad’s colorful cartoons, puzzles, riddles, word games, and connect-the-dot activities, while learning the importance of getting at least 9 hours of sleep each night. Give to students or to your own kids at home. 52 pages.

Item #2736.

Online Star Sleeper Materials for Teachers and Classroom Activity Ideas

Here are some additional resources, all available online, to teach students and their parents about the importance of adequate sleep. Print out the activity sheets and copy enough for the whole class!
  • Keeping a Sleep Diary
  • How Much Sleep Do Animals Need?
  • The Perfect Sleep Nest
  • Hints for Healthy Sleep
  • Children Need Rest to Do Their Best
BONUS: Check out the Star Sleeper Video (requires RealPlayer) 		Sleep Diary Image





Archived page, reproduced from a 2008 copy. It is reference material, not current guidance.