Wake Up Call Lesson Plan
Wake Up Call!
Addressing classroom sleepiness & boosting engagement
Tier 1 Lesson
Time
30 Minutes
Audience
8th Grade
Approach
Interactive Discussion
Why This Matters
Understanding why we get tired and how to combat it helps students take responsibility for their learning and well-being, leading to better academic performance and a more positive classroom experience.
Preparation
- Review the Wake Up Call! Slide Deck and script.
- Prepare the Wake Up Cool Down sheets.
- Ensure projector/screen is ready for presentation.
Materials
- Wake Up Call! Slide Deck
- Wake Up Call! Script
- Wake Up Cool Down Handout
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduction: The Nodding Off Dilemma
5 min
Goal: Normalize the issue and hook students.
- Begin with an anonymous show of hands regarding feeling sleepy in class.
- Introduce the core question: "Why do we fight sleep in class?"
- Display Slides 1 & 2.
2. Causes of Classroom Sleepiness
10 min
Goal: Brainstorm and identify common culprits.
- Lead a brainstorm session on the board.
- Guide students to think about sleep habits, nutrition, and engagement.
- Display Slides 3 & 4 to summarize ideas.
3. Strategies for Staying Awake
10 min
Goal: Equip students with practical tools.
- Present strategies for home (sleep hygiene) and school (active engagement).
- Encourage students to share personal tips that work for them.
- Display Slides 5 & 6.
4. Personal Commitment & Wrap-up
5 min
Goal: Individual accountability and reflection.
- Silent reflection on one small change.
- Complete the Wake Up Cool Down handout.
- Display Slides 7 & 8.
Wake Up Call Slides
Wake Up Call!
Let's talk about those classroom zzz's... 😴
Why do they happen? • What can we do?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of sleeping in class. Ask for a show of hands if anyone has ever felt super sleepy in class or seen someone else dozing off. Keep it light and relatable.
Ever Felt This Way?
You're in class, the teacher is talking...
"...and your eyelids feel so heavy. Your head starts to nod. You fight it, but the pull is strong!" 😩
What's going on?
This slide sets the stage and poses the central question to spark curiosity. Encourage a quick, informal poll to get students engaged.
Why Are We Tired?
Let's brainstorm together! What are some reasons people might feel tired or even fall asleep in class?
Habits
Fuel
Engagement
Open the floor for student brainstorming. Write down their ideas on the board. Prompt them with questions like: 'What time do you usually go to bed?', 'What do you do before bed?', 'What did you eat for breakfast?'
The Usual Suspects...
Sleep Deficit
Not enough sleep! This is the #1 reason for 8th graders.
Poor Quality
Too much screen time before bed or a noisy environment.
Unhealthy Habits
Irregular eating, skipping breakfast, or lack of exercise.
Checked Out
Lack of engagement. Lessons feel boring or you're not participating.
After brainstorming, reveal some common culprits. Discuss each point briefly, linking back to student ideas where possible.
Battle the Zzz's! (At Home)
-
1
Prioritize Sleep
Aim for 8-10 hours a night.
-
2
Consistent Schedule
Same wake/sleep times, even on weekends.
-
3
Power Down
No screens at least 30 mins before bed.
-
4
Create a Routine
Reading, warm bath, or journaling.
Introduce the first set of solutions. Focus on preventative measures related to sleep hygiene. Encourage students to think about their own routines.
Stay Sharp in Class!
- Participate Actively
- Move Your Body (subtly!)
- Stay Hydrated (Water!)
- Quick Brain Breaks
Pro Tip: Speak Up!
If you're really struggling to stay awake, talk to your teacher or a trusted adult. They want to help you succeed!
Shift the focus to in-class strategies. Emphasize active participation and self-awareness. Ask students for quick tips they use.
Your Wake-Up Action Plan
Think about ONE small change you can make this week:
Option A
To improve your sleep habits?
Option B
To stay more engaged in class?
Write it down!
Give students a moment to reflect. This is their 'action plan' for personal improvement. No need to share aloud unless they want to.
Stay Woke!
Being awake and engaged helps you learn more, feel better, and enjoy school!
Make Every Class a 'Wake-Up Call' 🎉
Conclude with an empowering message, reinforcing the benefits of good sleep and engagement.
Wake Up Call Script
Wake Up Call! Script
Teacher Facilitation Guide • 30 Minutes
Slide Reference Guide
Matches Slide Deck v1.0
1 The Nodding Off Dilemma
0:00 - 0:05 (5 min)
Slides 1-2
Teacher: "Good morning everyone! Let's start with a quick, informal poll. How many of you have ever felt so sleepy in class that it was hard to keep your eyes open? Just a quick show of hands—no judgment here!"
Action: Wait for hands. Acknowledge the response with a smile.
Teacher: "Okay, thank you for being honest! It's a huge group. Now, how many of you have seen a classmate totally battling the Zzz's, maybe doing that head-bob thing?"
"It happens to the best of us. Today, we're talking about a very real issue that affects our learning and health: sleeping in class. We'll explore why it happens, and more importantly, how to fix it."
2 Causes of Sleepiness
0:05 - 0:15 (10 min)
Slides 3-4
Teacher: "That feeling on Slide 2—where your head starts to nod—it’s common. But why? Let's brainstorm. Shout out some reasons people might feel tired in class, and I'll write them on the board."
Prompting Questions: What time do you sleep? What do you do before bed? What did you eat today?
Talking Points for Slide 4: 1. Not enough sleep: 8th graders need 8-10 hours. Are you getting that?
2. Quality: Phone blue light or a noisy room?
3. Habits: Skipping breakfast or no exercise.
4. Engagement: If the brain is bored, it checks out!
3 Battle the Zzz's!
0:15 - 0:25 (10 min)
Slides 5-6
Teacher (Home Strategies): "Look at Slide 5. Prioritizing sleep and powering down screens are huge. Who here puts their phone away 30 minutes before bed? It's tough, right? Does anyone have a trick they use to help them fall asleep?"
Teacher (Classroom Strategies): "Now, look at Slide 6. What about *in* class? Being active is key—ask questions, take notes. Little movements help too. And hydration! Sometimes a sip of water is all you need to reset. And remember: if you're really struggling, talk to us. We're on your team."
4 Personal Commitment
0:25 - 0:30 (5 min)
Slides 7-8
"I want everyone to silently think about **one small change** you can make this week. To your sleep habits or your engagement. Write it down on your Cool Down sheet."
Wake Up Cool Down Handout
Wake Up Cool Down
Student Name
Date
Your Action Plan
Please answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully before you leave class today. Think about how these changes might help you feel better and learn more.
1. What is one new thing you learned today about why people might be sleepy in class?
2. What is one specific strategy you will try to use this week?
Be specific! (e.g., "I will go to bed at 9:30 PM" instead of "Sleep more")
3. Why do you think it's important to be well-rested and engaged during school?
Stay Sharp. Stay Engaged.