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Make a Dream Catcher

10/6/2013

Read the book: “It’s Time to Sleep” by Michael U and Phoenix Chan

Matty doesn’t want to sleep, so he uses his imagination to become a wolf, an astronaut and more to keep from going to bed.

Materials needed:

paper plates
yarn
ribbons
feathers
leaves and or beads
pipe cleaners
scissors
a hole-punch
(If you like, add small, light, decorations)

Instructions: Cut along the inside rim of the paper plate. Punch holes around the remaining circle.

Have the children string the yarn or use pipe cleaners to span across a hole to another other hole. (Repeat) Let them put the beads on the pipe cleaner/yarn or hang on a ribbon/yarn.

To make the frame sturdy put tape around the backside of the circle or use plastic plates.

When finished use the ribbon (or yarn) to hang the (leaves, beads, feathers, etc.) and beads from the dream catcher.

Attach a piece of yarn from the top, so it will hang horizontally.

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Calming Bedtime Exercise

10/6/2013

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These calming exercises should be done very slowly with slow meditative breathing, take long slow breaths through the nostrils and be conscious of the body's movement. Remind the children to concentrate on what they are doing, to think about their arm moving, or how their body feels as it stretches.

Touch your toes - Sitting with legs shoulder width apart, stretch forward trying to touch your toes, hold the position for several seconds.

Twisting T- Laying flat on your back put your arms out so that your body makes a "T" lift your right leg up and across your body to touch your left hand. Return your body to the "T" position. Repeat on the opposite side.

Remember to keep breathing.

Star- Laying on your back put your arms and legs straight up in the air, slowly lower them out to your sides so that when they are lowered completely you will look like a star.

Savasana - Lay on your back with your feet slightly spread apart. Rest your arms at your side with your palms facing up. Stay in this pose for several minutes while concentrating on your slow breathing.

These exercises will help children unwind and will likely put them to sleep so you may want to do this routine in bed. The slow breathing and stretching will help their bodies as well as their mind drift into a relaxed state.

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Moon Craft

10/6/2013

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Glue a moon onto a piece of paper and have the children put star stickers all over it.

Teach them about the different constellations.

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Counting Stars

10/6/2013

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Cut out stars and attach them to a cut out of a moon. Each moon represents a night, ask the children to tell you how many stars come out each night.

You can also use the moons to practice the days of the week. Write the days of the week on the white board or chalk board.

Put a moon in each day of the week and ask the kids how many stars came out Monday night? Tuesday night? How many stars came out all week?