Sleep Smarter Lesson Plan Sleep Smarter Lesson Plan
Individualized Tier 3 Support
Duration 30 Mins
Objective
Students will understand the importance of sleep hygiene, identify benefits of healthy sleep, and develop personalized strategies to improve school focus and well-being.
Why This Matters
Healthy sleep habits directly impact a student's ability to focus, learn, and manage emotions. This is especially critical for students with ADHD to improve executive functioning and reading fluency.
Prep (5 Mins)
Review Sleep Smarter Slide Deck
Print My Sleep Habits Worksheet
Prepare Sleep-Friendly Game Cards
Review Discussion Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
5m
Warm-Up: Sleep Check-In
Non-judgmental check-in about last night's sleep. Use a simple 1-10 scale. Ask: "How do you feel at school after a great night vs. a tough night?"
5m
Intro & Superpowers
Use Slide Deck (Slides 1-5) . Set an empowering tone. Explain sleep as "recharging your battery." Connect sleep to her reading and focus goals.
5m
My Sleep Habits: A Closer Look
Distribute Worksheet . Guide her through self-reflection. Focus on identifying patterns (like late-night iPad use) without making her feel "in trouble."
5m
Building a Routine
Use Slide Deck (Slides 6-8) . Help her pick 1-2 actionable tips. Emphasize small changes, like putting the iPad in a different room.
5m
Game: Friendly vs. Unfriendly
Play the Sorting Game . Read cards aloud to support reading fluency needs. Reinforce positive habits through fun interaction.
5m
Wrap-Up & Reflection
Use the Discussion Guide . Have her commit to one small change. Remind her that habit-building is a journey, not a sprint.
Sleep Smarter Slide Deck Sleep Smarter,
Live Better!
Your secret weapon for a better day!
Level Up Your Sleep
Teacher Notes
Welcome the student. Ask them what they already know or think about sleep. Connect it to their daily life.
What is Sleep Hygiene?
It's all the habits and routines you have that help you get a good night's sleep.
Think of it like a game plan for healthy sleep!
Teacher Notes
Explain that 'sleep hygiene' isn't about cleanliness, but about habits. Ask: "What do you think makes a good night's sleep?"
Sleep's Superpowers!
Better Focus
Helps your brain pay attention in class and ignore distractions.
Easier Learning
Your brain 'saves' what you learned today while you sleep!
Clear Thinking
Helps you solve problems and understand new things easily.
Good Mood
You feel happier, more patient, and less stressed!
Teacher Notes
Emphasize how sleep affects school directly. Ask: "How do you think not enough sleep affects your reading or focusing in class?"
More Amazing Benefits!
Stronger Body
Helps you grow taller and heal faster.
More Energy
Feel ready to play, exercise, and do what you love.
Better Immunity
Helps your body fight off colds and sickness.
Teacher Notes
Continue discussing benefits. Ask: "Beyond school, how does good sleep make you feel better in general?"
Missing Out on Sleep?
Feeling tired and sleepy in class
Trouble concentrating
Feeling irritable or moody
Making more mistakes
Teacher Notes
Connect to her experience. Ask: "What does 'run down' or 'foggy' feel like for you?"
1
Create a Sleep Routine!
Stick to the Clock
Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends.
Your body loves a schedule!
Wind Down
Read a physical book
Listen to calm music
Take a warm bath
Teacher Notes
Focus on consistency. Ask: "Do you have a bedtime routine right now? What is it like?"
2
Power Down Screens!
Bright light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime.
Stop the Scroll
30-60 Minutes
before bed time.
Safe Zone
iPad Out
Keep screens out of the bedroom.
Teacher Notes
Key slide for her iPad use. Ask: "What do you do on your iPad late at night? How do you feel when you finally try to sleep?"
3
Make a Sleep Haven!
Dark
Blackout curtains or eye mask.
Quiet
No sounds or use a fan/white noise.
Cool
A slightly cool room helps you sleep.
Tidy
Keep it relaxing. No homework here!
Teacher Notes
Discuss environment. Ask: "What is your bedroom like at night? Noise? Lights? Temperature?"
Your Sleep Action Plan!
Pick ONE tip to try this week.
Be patient—new habits take time to build.
Notice how you feel during the day!
Teacher Notes
Encourage picking one small change. Ask: "What's one small change you think you could try this week?"
My Sleep Habits Worksheet My Sleep Habits
A Closer Look
Name
Date
Let's think about your sleep habits. There are no right or wrong answers! This helps us see what works and what we might want to change to feel our best.
1
Your Sleep Schedule
1. What time do you usually go to bed on a school night?
2. What time do you usually wake up on a school night?
3. How many hours of sleep do you think you get?
4. What time do you go to bed on weekends?
2
Before Bed
6. What do you usually do in the hour before you try to sleep? (Check all that apply)
Watch TV/Videos
Play on iPad/Phone
Do homework
Read a physical book
Listen to music
Talk to family
7. How often do you use your iPad in bed before trying to sleep?
Every night
Most nights
Sometimes
Rarely
8. How do you feel when you wake up on a school morning?
Energized
Okay
Tired
Exhausted
3
My Sleep Space
9. What is your bedroom usually like when you try to sleep?
Dark
Dimly lit
Bright
Quiet
Some noise
Noisy
Cool
Warm
Hot
10. What is one thing you LIKE about your sleep routine or room right now?
11. What is one thing you might change to get better sleep?
Sleep Success Discussion Guide Sleep Success Discussion Guide
Reflection & Action Planning
Purpose
To reflect on what we've learned about sleep and how it can help you feel and do your best in and out of school.
1
We talked about how sleep is like a superpower for your brain and body. What was one thing about the benefits of sleep that surprised you?
2
Thinking about your own routine, what is one challenge you face when trying to get enough restful sleep? (e.g., hard to put the iPad away, trouble falling asleep?)
3
Out of all the tips we discussed (routine, no screens, sleep haven), is there one small change you feel you could try this week? What would it be?
4
How do you think getting more restful sleep could change how you feel at school? What difference might it make in your classes or homework?
5
What is one thing you will remember from our conversation today about sleep and staying healthy?
Teacher Note
Reinforce that changing habits takes time and effort. Encourage the student and celebrate any small steps she is willing to take. For ADHD students, emphasizing the "why" and providing immediate positive reinforcement for planning is key.
Sleep Friendly Game Cards Sleep-Friendly or Not?
Sorting Game
Instructions: Read each card below. Decide if the action is "Sleep-Friendly" (helps you sleep well) or "Sleep-Unfriendly" (makes it harder to sleep).
Card 1
Playing on your iPad in bed right before you try to sleep.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 2
Reading a physical book in a comfy chair for 30 minutes before bed.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 3
Drinking a big soda or energy drink in the evening.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 4
Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 5
Bright lights and notifications buzzing from your phone all night.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 6
Taking a warm bath or shower right before bed.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 7
Exercising very hard right before you want to go to sleep.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 8
Making your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool for sleeping.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 9
Watching exciting or scary videos on your phone in bed.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Card 10
Eating a heavy meal or sugary snacks right before bed.
Sleep-Friendly
Sleep-Unfriendly
Teacher Answer Key
1. Sleep-Unfriendly
2. Sleep-Friendly
3. Sleep-Unfriendly
4. Sleep-Friendly
5. Sleep-Unfriendly
6. Sleep-Friendly
7. Sleep-Unfriendly
8. Sleep-Friendly
9. Sleep-Unfriendly
10. Sleep-Unfriendly
