Sleep Detectives Teacher Guide Sleep Detectives
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
Categorize activities into "Wake Up" (High Energy) and "Calm Down" (Low Energy).
Identify how specific evening activities affect the ability to fall asleep.
Define a "routine" as a series of steps done in a specific order.
The Hook: Mystery Box
Prepare a "Mystery Box" containing a toothbrush , a pajama top , and a storybooks . Invite students to guess what all these items have in common. Lead them to the realization that these are all clues for something we do at the end of every day.
Materials List
Mystery Box (physical items)
Sleep Detectives Slide Deck
Sleep Detectives Sorting Worksheet (1 per student)
Scissors and Glue
Lesson Flow
10m
Intro
The Mystery Clues
Open the Mystery Box. Discuss the items. Introduce the term Routine . Ask: "Why do we do these things in the same order every night?"
Key Question: What happens if we forget to brush our teeth or put on PJs? Does it change how we feel?
15m
Instruction
Wake Up vs. Calm Down
Use the slides to show different activities (running, reading, video games, warm bath). Discuss "Energy Levels." Explain that our bodies need to move from High Energy (Red Zone) to Low Energy (Blue Zone) to sleep.
20m
Practice
Sleep Detective Sort
Students complete the sorting worksheet. They cut out activity cards and glue them into the correct columns. Circulate to check for understanding of "calm" activities.
5m
Wrap Up
Detective Debrief
Have students share one "Calm Down" activity they can try tonight. Preview next lesson: "The Cozy Cave."
Differentiation
Support: Provide a pre-cut version of the worksheet or allow students to circle activities instead of cutting and pasting.
Extension: Challenge students to draw one additional "Calm Down" activity that isn't on the worksheet and explain why it helps.
Check for Understanding
Can students identify the difference between high and low energy activities?
Do students recognize that a routine is predictable?
Are students able to categorize reading as a "Calm Down" activity?
Common Misconceptions
Mistake: "Tiring myself out right before bed (e.g., jumping on the bed) will help me sleep."
Fact: High-intensity exercise right before bed can actually make it harder to fall asleep because it increases heart rate and body temperature.
Sleep Detectives Slides Sleep Detectives
Solving the Mystery of a Good Night's Rest
Lesson 1 Healthy Habits
The Mystery Box
?
Storybook
?
What do all these items have in common?
What is a Routine?
A routine is a plan of things we do in the same order every day.
1
2
3
Repeat every night!
Energy Detective
How does your body feel?
High Energy
Fast heart, running legs, big voice, jumping around!
Low Energy
Quiet voice, slow breathing, sitting still, heavy eyes.
Let's Sort!
Riding a Bike
Wake Up!
Reading a Book
Calm Down
Video Games
Wake Up!
Warm Bath
Calm Down
Mission Time!
Now it's your turn, Sleep Detectives! Use your sorting worksheet to find the Calm Down activities that help our bodies get ready for sleep.
1
Cut
2
Sort
3
Glue
Sleep Detective Sort Worksheet Sleep Detective Sort
Healthy Habits: Lesson 1
Name:
Date:
Mission: Cut out the activity cards at the bottom. Sort them into the correct box. Does the activity make your body feel Wake Up (High Energy) or Calm Down (Low Energy)?
Wake Up
Calm Down
🏃♂️
Running Fast
📖
Reading a Story
🎮
Video Games
🛁
Warm Bath
🚲
Riding a Bike
🧸
Quiet Play
🤸
Jumping Jacks
💤
Lying Still
Cozy Cave Teacher Guide Cozy Cave
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 2
Learning Objectives
Identify three environmental factors for good sleep: dark, quiet, and cool.
Distinguish between sleep-friendly items and sleep-distracting items.
Understand how a "safe and cozy" feeling helps the body relax.
The Hook: Classroom Cave
Before students enter, dim the lights and play soft, ambient white noise or gentle music. Ask students to tip-toe to their seats. Compare this feeling to the usual "bright and busy" classroom. Ask: "Which classroom makes you feel like you could take a nap?"
Materials List
Classroom lights/music for hook
Cozy Cave Slide Deck
Perfect Bedroom Worksheet (1 per student)
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Lesson Flow
10m
Intro
The Cozy Cave Concept
Discuss why animals like bears or bats sleep in caves. They are dark, quiet, and tucked away. Introduce the idea of turning their own bed into a "Cozy Cave."
15m
Analysis
Sleep Helper vs. Sleep Distractor
Use the slides to view a "Messy/Loud Bedroom" vs. a "Calm Bedroom." Use a "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down" game for items like: nightlights, tablets, teddy bears, loud TVs, heavy blankets.
20m
Activity
The Perfect Bedroom
Students draw their "Perfect Bedroom" on the worksheet. They must include elements for Dark , Quiet , and Cool . Encourage them to add one special item that makes them feel safe (e.g., a specific toy).
5m
Wrap Up
Pillow Talk
Partners share one change they can make to their room tonight (e.g., "I can turn off the hallway light"). Preview: "Bubbles and PJs."
Differentiation
Support: Provide stickers of items (bed, window, lamp) for students to place in the bedroom diagram instead of drawing.
Extension: Ask students to write a sentence describing *why* a specific item (like a fan) helps them sleep.
Check for Understanding
Can students name the "Big Three": Dark, Quiet, Cool?
Do students identify screens (tablets/TVs) as sleep distractors?
Can they explain why feeling safe is important for sleep?
Nest Building Activity (Optional)
If space allows, bring in a few blankets and pillows. Have a small group demonstrate making a "Nest" on the floor. Discuss how "tucking in" helps the body feel secure, like a hug, which signals the brain to relax.
Cozy Cave Slides Cozy Cave
Building the Perfect Sleep Space
Lesson 2
The Big Three
What does a body need to feel sleepy?
DARK
Our eyes need it to be dark to tell the brain "It's time!"
QUIET
Our ears need to rest so we can hear our slow breathing.
COOL
Our bodies sleep better when we aren't too hot.
Sleep Helper or Distractor?
Bright Tablet
Distractor!
Favorite Teddy Bear
Helper!
Feeling Safe
A Cozy Cave is a place where you feel protected and safe.
Tucked-in blankets
A soft pillow
A "night buddy" (stuffed animal)
Design Your Cave!
It's time to draw your perfect bedroom. Remember the Big Three:
Dark
Quiet
Cool
Cozy Cave Drawing Worksheet My Cozy Cave
Healthy Habits: Lesson 2
Name:
The Design Mission
Draw your perfect Cozy Cave (your bedroom). Make sure it is ready for a great night of sleep! Check the boxes below when you have added them to your drawing.
Dark
Quiet
Cool
What is one special item that makes you feel safe? ___________
Bubbles and PJs Teacher Guide Bubbles and PJs
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 3
Learning Objectives
Sequence personal hygiene tasks (brushing teeth, washing up) in a logical order.
Explain why hygiene habits signal the brain that it is time to sleep.
Practice the physical movements of bedtime preparation through role-play.
The Hook: Dirty Teddy
Bring in a stuffed animal that looks a bit "messy" (maybe it has a small smudge of washable marker or just looks disheveled). Tell the class: "Barnaby the Bear is so tired, but he's not ready for bed yet! Look at him! What does he need to do first to get his body ready for his Cozy Cave?"
Materials List
"Dirty" Stuffed Animal
Bubbles and PJs Slide Deck
Bedtime Sequence Worksheet (1 per student)
Optional: Toothbrush/Comb for demo
Lesson Flow
10m
Intro
Barnaby's Bathtime
Use the hook to brainstorm hygiene tasks. Introduce the idea that these tasks are Signals . Just like a red light tells a car to stop, brushing teeth tells our brain to "Stop the day and start the sleep!"
15m
Instruction
The Bedtime Line-Up
Use the slides to walk through the "Essential Three": 1. Wash up, 2. Brush teeth, 3. Put on PJs. Discuss: "Do we put our PJs on before or after our bath? Why?"
15m
Practice
Clean and Cozy Sequencing
Students complete the cut-and-paste worksheet. They must place the hygiene activities in the correct sequence. Circulate and ask: "What signal are you giving your brain right now?"
10m
Role-Play
Air Brushing!
Lead the class in a "mime" session. "Everyone, let's mime washing our faces... now brushing our teeth (don't forget the back teeth!)... now stepping into our fuzzy PJs!"
Differentiation
Support: Provide a worksheet with numbers (1, 2, 3) already inside the boxes to help with the physical placement of the sequence.
Extension: Have students draw one *extra* hygiene step (like combing hair or clipping nails) and decide where it fits in their sequence.
Mental Connection
Focus on the sensory aspect of hygiene. The smell of toothpaste, the warmth of the water, and the softness of pajamas are all physical cues that the brain uses to release sleep chemicals.
Teacher Tip: The "Why"
Some students might find hygiene "boring." Reframe it as a . By washing away the day, we are telling our bodies we are ready for the most important job: resting and growing!
Bubbles and PJs Slides Bubbles and PJs
Giving Your Brain the Signal
Lesson 3
Brain Signals
A signal is a message that tells someone what to do next.
"When I brush my teeth, my brain says: Stop the day and start the rest!"
The Big Three Signals
Which one do you do at your house?
1. Scrub Up
Washing away the dirt and sweat from the busy day.
2. Sparkle
Brushing every tooth to keep them strong and healthy.
3. Soft & Cozy
Putting on clean, soft clothes that feel like a hug.
Which comes first?
?
Putting on Pajamas
?
Taking a Warm Bath
Think about the mess!
Mission: Sequence!
Use your worksheet to show the Order of Events. What signal do you give your brain first?
1
Cut
2
Order
3
Glue
Bedtime Sequence Worksheet The Bedtime Sequence
Healthy Habits: Lesson 3
Name:
Mission: Cut out the hygiene cards at the bottom. Glue them in the order you do them to get ready for sleep. What is your brain's first signal?
1
First Signal
2
Next Step
3
Final Prep
🪥
Brush Teeth
👕
Put on PJs
🧼
Wash Up
Calm and Quiet Teacher Guide Calm and Quiet
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 4
Learning Objectives
Identify how a "stiff" body feels compared to a "loose" body.
Practice deep belly breathing to slow down the heart rate.
Apply the "Melting Snowman" technique to relax large muscle groups.
The Hook: Spaghetti Challenge
Ask students to stand up. "Can you make your body as stiff as uncooked spaghetti ? Squeeze your fists, your legs, and even your face!" (Hold for 5 seconds). "Now, turn into cooked spaghetti ! Wiggle your arms, let your head hang loose, and sit down slowly." Ask: "Which spaghetti is ready for sleep?"
Materials List
Calm and Quiet Slide Deck
Calm Body Worksheet (1 per student)
Optional: A small stuffed animal for "Belly Breathing" demo
Lesson Flow
10m
Intro
Stiff vs. Loose
Use the Spaghetti Hook. Explain that stress or excitement makes our bodies "stiff," and we need to practice getting "loose" to fall asleep. This is called Relaxation .
15m
Instruction
Belly Balloons
Teach Belly Breathing. Have students place hands on their bellies. "Imagine a balloon in your tummy. Breathe in to blow it up... breathe out to let the air go." Practice 5 slow breaths together.
15m
Activity
The Melting Snowman
Guide students through a progressive relaxation. "You are a snowman. The sun comes out! First your toes melt... then your legs... then your tummy... finally your shoulders and head." Everything should be floppy.
10m
Reflection
My Calm Space
Students complete the "Calm Body" worksheet, identifying how their body feels after the exercises. Discuss: "When can you use these tricks at home?"
Differentiation
Support: Use a physical object (like a small beanbag) on the student's belly during the breathing exercise so they can *see* the movement.
Extension: Challenge students to come up with their own "calm animal" pose (e.g., "Sleeping Cat") and lead the class in it.
The Science of Calm
Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve , which acts like a "brake" for the nervous system. Even 1st graders can understand the concept of a "calm down button" in their brain that they can push by breathing.
Sample Script for Melting Snowman
Calm and Quiet Slides Calm and Quiet
Mastering Your Sleep Superpower
Lesson 4
Stiff vs. Loose
Uncooked Spaghetti
Stiff, hard, and ready for work!
Cooked Spaghetti
Wiggly, soft, and ready for rest.
Belly Balloons
1
Put your hands on your tummy.
2
Breathe in slow to blow up the balloon.
3
Breathe out to let the air fly away.
The Melting Snowman
Let every part of your body turn into a warm, quiet puddle.
FEET
Melted
LEGS
Melted
HANDS
Melted
HEAD
Melted
My Calm Body
Use your worksheet to show how your body feels now that we have practiced our sleep superpowers.
Ready for the dream routine!
Calm Body Worksheet My Calm Body
Healthy Habits: Lesson 4
Name:
1. How does your body feel?
Circle the word that best describes your body after our relaxation practice.
🍝
Stiff
Uncooked Spaghetti
🍜
Loose
Cooked Spaghetti
2. The Melting Snowman
Draw yourself as a "melted puddle" of calm energy. Show how relaxed your arms and legs are!
3. Sleepy Check-In
😊
I am calm
🥱
I am sleepy
✨
I am ready
Take a deep breath. Your body is amazing at resting!
Dream Routine Teacher Guide Dream Routine
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 5
Learning Objectives
Synthesize knowledge from the sequence to create a logical bedtime plan.
Personalize a checklist with hygiene, environment, and relaxation steps.
Communicate and justify the order of activities to a peer.
The Hook: Silly Schedule
Display a silly, jumbled bedtime routine on the board (e.g., 1. Go to sleep, 2. Eat breakfast, 3. Put on PJs, 4. Brush teeth). Ask: "Wait, does this look right? What happens if we sleep before we brush our teeth?" Let students laugh and then challenge them to be the "Boss of their own Bedtime" by creating a schedule that actually works.
Materials List
Dream Routine Slide Deck
Dream Routine Project Pack (Template + Icon sheet)
Scissors and Glue
Optional: Magnetic strips for home use
Lesson Flow
10m
Intro
Review the Master Steps
Briefly review the four pillars we've learned: Calm Down Activities (Detective), Cozy Cave (Environment), Hygiene Signals (Bubbles), and Relaxation (Mindfulness).
10m
Demo
Building the Checklist
Show the "Dream Routine" template. Explain that they will choose the activities that *they* do at home and put them in their own order. There is no one "perfect" order, as long as it helps the body get ready for rest.
25m
Project
The Dream Routine Project
Students cut out the icons and arrange them on their checklist. Once happy with the order, they glue them down. They can color the icons to make them special. Walk around and ask students to "read" their schedule to you.
5m
Wrap Up
Bedtime Promises
Have students hold up their checklists. "Tonight, I promise to use my Dream Routine!" Encourage them to hang it on their fridge or bedroom door.
Differentiation
Support: Provide a "First, Next, Then, Finally" scaffolded template with fewer slots for students who find the full 6-step checklist overwhelming.
Extension: Ask students to draw one "Bonus Step" that is unique to their family (e.g., saying a prayer, telling a joke with dad, or feeding the cat).
Home Connection
Send a small note home to parents explaining the sequence. "Your child has designed their own Bedtime Routine! Using this visual checklist at home helps build independence and reduces bedtime struggles by providing a clear, predictable plan."
Dream Routine Slides Dream Routine
The Boss of Your Own Bedtime
Lesson 5
Wait a Minute...
1
Jump on the bed for 10 minutes!
2
Fall asleep in the bathtub!
3
Brush your teeth while sleeping!
Does this routine help us rest?
What We Know
We have learned all the secrets to a good sleep!
Calm Down
Pick low-energy activities.
Cozy Cave
Dark, quiet, and cool.
Signals
Wash up and brush teeth.
Relax
Deep breaths and melting.
Your Turn!
You are the BOSS ! Create your own personal checklist to take home.
1
Choose Icons
2
Pick the Order
3
Glue & Color
A Good Night's Sleep
When we have a plan, our bodies feel safe and our brains feel ready for wonderful dreams!
Sweet Dreams, Detectives!
Dream Routine Checklist Project My Dream Routine
I am the boss of my bedtime!
Name:
1
Glue Here
2
Glue Here
3
Glue Here
4
Glue Here
5
Glue Here
Hang this on your fridge or door!
Sweet Dreams
Cutout Activities
🛁
Warm Bath
🪥
Brush Teeth
👕
Put on PJs
💡
Lights Off
🧸
Night Buddy
🛌
Tuck In
📖
Bedtime Story
🧘
Quiet Play
🎶
Soft Music
🎈
Belly Breaths
🫠
Melting
🫂
Hugs & Kisses
Instructions: Choose your favorite 5 activities. Cut them out and glue them onto Page 1 in the order you want to do them tonight!