Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Naptime Struggle

Nap time.  Some dread it, some can’t wait for it to arrive.  Many adults would probably be thrilled to have a nap in the middle of their work day, but unfortunately they are usually reserved for the youth. Either way, it’s a much needed part of a child’s day.  Napping allows their bodies and minds to recharge, while improving sour moods.  It has also been theorized that nap time aids cognitive developement  and physical growth by allowing the body some time to rest and recuperate from activity.  Missing nap time can lead to crankiness and a decrease in physical activity.  Medical research has even found a connection between missed sleep in children and childhood obesity.


So how do you facilitate the nap?  It is important to first create an environment conducive to sleep.  If possible, place the children in the quietest part of the room and dim the lights.  Most children go to sleep easier with relaxing music played at a moderate level.  If your classroom is near a noisy room, soothing music can help to drown out the noise as well.  Reading a short story can also help to get children ready for a nap.  Some teachers find it helpful to place glow in the dark shapes or stars on the ceiling of the classroom to give children something to look at while drifting away.  Always be consistent with your routine so the kids know what to expect.


A comfortable resting place is also needed to initiate sleep.  The cots offered by Wood Designs are perfect for this situation!  Our cots stack vertically for efficient use of space and are extremely comfortable.  Wood Designs’ cots are made from anti-sagging nylon material to provide your little students with a relaxing bed to sleep on and allow easy removal for washing.  Adding a child’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal can also help to initiate a comforting environment to sleep in.


The nap time battle can be tiresome, but naptime is very much needed for both teacher and student.  Try to figure out what tactics work best for your children and adapt as needed.

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