Rest after play

7
AIM

Create a relaxing ritual of going to sleep through music, creative communication and pretend play.

2
BENEFIT

Parents and caregivers play a key role in active habits. When adults join in and encourage movement, children are more likely to build healthy routines, including rest and sleep.

WHAT YOU NEED:
WHAT TO DO:
  • This can be done as a small or whole group activity.
  • Ask each child to get a doll or toy and talk them through a sleep ritual while they pretend with their toy.
  • Tell them it is time for baby/doll/teddy to go to sleep and sleep is important for growing bodies.
  • Help them act out the routines on the sleep routine card.

An adult talks the child through the routine adding comments about the actions:

  1. Make a nice warm bath and wash the toy. Put them in the bath, wash them gently. Rub the soap all over their bodies. Pat them dry with a fluffy towel.
  2. Put on their pyjamas. First the legs then the top.
  3. Brush their teeth. Put some toothpaste on the toothbrush and gently brush their teeth.
  4. Read them a story –point out the pictures and turn the pages.
  5. Sing a gentle song or lullaby (Brahm’s Lullaby “Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep little baby” Baa Baa black sheep)
  6. Give them a cuddle and tuck them into bed.
  7. Tell them to breathe in through their nose and out through their mouth. Do some belly breathing quietly.
  8. Turn out the lights and tip toe out of the room. Shh, Shh, Shh.

Use this part of the video as a SPARK for the activity

fun fact pink
FUN FACT

Consistent nighttime routines help children’s sleep quality and duration whilst creating a sense of security around bedtime. These routines also offer children bonding opportunities with parents and caregivers, encouraging independence and self-care.

Playgroup WA has been supporting, servicing and establishing playgroups throughout Western Australia since 1972.

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Playgroup WA acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and waters on which we live, work and play, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Playgroup WA is committed to the safety, respect, and value of all children by implementing child-safe practices in line with the National Principles for Child Safety and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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