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Contact_FullName: Tanya Contact_Email: angel_gurlie_81@hotmail.com date:: 01/15/02 Area: Naptime Idea: I teach 19 two-year olds at a daycare. Everyday after lunch, the children go straight to their mats and wait to be covered. We listen to "Baby's First Beethoven", and turn off all the lights. Most of them prefer to have their backs rubbed; however, within a matter of 15-20 minutes, every child is asleep. Contact_FullName: Angela Contact_Email: lady_a75@hotmail.com date:: 01/16/02 Area: nap time Idea: I have been running my own home daycare for several years now, so I know that it is hard for any teacher to come up with cheap ways to run your class. I had many problems at nap time for a long time until the light went on in my head. I had been wanting to get a good cd of atmosphere sounds, (waves, springs, thunderstorms) but just getting started I really had no funds to do this. So this was my idea, I did have cable t.v. and with almost every cable company they have a channel with nothing but lite classical music playing. Or if you are lucky and have a cable package that includes the music choice selections I always play the atmosphere station or lite classical. These have always worked like a charm because even if the television is on there is nothing showing that will distract the children. I have also made the most of having a cd burner. There are many good sites that you can go to and download a great cd. and to think is really only cost about $.50!
ideaI teach the four year olds at my preschool, and when we lay them down for nap we have them stretch their fingers and toes. we all flex the muscles in our body, and turn off the lights and we always put some ENYA in the cd player!! It works great!
3-12-01I have found that playing Enya has quieted down most all the children I have cared for. I also like to lay down close and rub their heads and backs. I teach 4 and 5 yr old children and in my class of 12-17 I have only one child that I cannot get to go to sleep. I have shared some of my music with some of the other teachers. I do have to say the only complaint I have had so far is that it almost puts the teachers to sleep as well.
3-12-01Naptime is always a very relaxing time for me. I have 14, 4&5 year olds. They have their lunch at 11:30, play Duck, Duck, Goose for about 15 minutes while taking turns going to the potty. We then walk to our classroom where the cots have already been laid out with their pillows and blankets already spread out. We then have the Nap-time friend helper go around and pass out the nap-time friends (stuffed animals). We then listen to a story tape. (Their favorite is Jack and the Beanstalk). When the story is over we listen to a soothing tape of music with Ocean sounds in the background, all the while we are rubbing their backs. Sometimes it is hard for us teachers to stay awake!! They are usually all asleep within 1/2 hour.
3-12-01I teach pre-k at a day care and I have one child who really struggles with naptime. I talked to a friend who is a massage therapist and she suggested that I massage the palm of his hand. The first day I tried it he was asleep in about 5 minutes. He wants me to do this everyday. I figure that 5 minutes of my time is better than having to fight with him for 2 hours.
1-16-01I teach in a classroom of 10 two year olds. Naptime is right after lunch so while one teacher is reading to the class during lunch, the other is laying out the cots. In order to keep the children calm after eating they all know that they need to sit at the art table and draw while they take turns having their diapers changed and using the potty. At this point we turn out the lights, put on some multicultural calming music, and both teachers pat the backs of the children who need help getting to sleep. Sometimes it helps to slightly bounce or rock the cot (almost like how the movement of a car that puts them to sleep).
1-13-01I realized that not all children are sleepy, however, need a rest. I decided to find several quiet, small, building toys, drawing toys or manipulatives. I put a small amount in separate baggies and distribute them to the "non sleepers", once the "sleepers" are asleep. It helps to individualize the interests in those children who couldn't just lay there for so long, even if the wanted to. As long as they manipulate the small toys quietly, they are allowed to. If they do so quietly, they get a sticker along with the "sleepers", after nap time. Be sure the small toys are size and age appropriate...no choke hazards please.
1-13-01I use a tape "Lullabies" from the Lifescapes series. The kids are usually asleep within 5 minutes. We have been using this tape for months so the kids just associate sleep with this tape. It is very soothing. I hope this helps some of you.
12-12-00My kids take their nap after lunch so I usually start playing their nap CD while their eating to wind them down a bit. I've been playing "Spring Rain" for them. It's a mixture of nature sounds and soft music. While they're eating, I get their mats ready. After their done eating lunch all they have to do is go potty (or get their diaper changed) and lay down. They're usually out in a matter of minutes.
12-12-00I love Nap Time and have always had much success with it. Here is what I do. I teach the children the following song and they do what the songs directs them to do. Sometimes you may need to repeat the verse until all the children have completed the task. "Find my cot, I find my cot, My Body's worked so hard. Spread my sheet I spread my sheet, my bodies worked so hard. ..{.. Stretch my hands...touch my toes...sit on my cot.....stretch my legs......stretch my back (they all lay down on their backs).....close my eyes.....turn off the light (teacher does this while they sing). By the time they have sung during their nap preparations they settle down and fall asleep as a unit.
12-12-00I share a classroom of 10 older 3 year-olds with a class of 9 4 year-olds, both are groups that don't always need the rest. At lunch we dim the lights and play some of the children's favorite music (Disney Favorites are always popular especially songs from movies!) at a low volume so that they have to speak in a low voice in order to hear the music. We lay our cots in their usual places while the children are eating, in order to eliminate the hustle of setting them out and settling in. Once the children have finished eating, We turn out the lights while they wash their hands, potty (or try), and brush their teeth, a few at a time. Ms. JoAnn reads informally once the last child is on his/her cot. We turn the music up to a moderate level after the story, and within a half-hour most of the two classes are sleep.
11-12-00When our class lays down at quiet time, I go around to "tuck in" each child. I tell each of them, as I go, to see if they can keep their eyes shut and not move for five minutes. Then I say "On your mark, get set, Go!" They hurry to close their eyes and are usually asleep within five minutes.
11-7-00I teach a class of 10 two-year-olds so the transition from lunch to nap time needed to be easy on the children and easy on me. Everyday after lunch the children make their own cots and then they all sit in our story spot. After everyone is sitting I give them each a stamp for making their cots and then we read the book "The Napping House" by Audrey & Don Wood. The children know this book by heart and still enjoy to hear it everyday it is also a natural way for their bodies to get settled and know it is time to take a rest. After the story is over they get a kiss from a special nap time stuffed animal and they get tucked in on their cots. The whole process takes about 12 min. and it is well worth those 12 min. because as soon as they lay down the room is quiet and they fall fast to sleep.
11-4-00On our ceiling we use glow in the dark and reflexive tape cut into shapes, letters and numbers. When the lights are off the tape gives the children something to look at while they drift off. The tape is found in any large home fix it store. The extra pieces left after cutting shapes are also put up, they reflect just as well. Since they go up with one simple staple you can change them occasionally.
10-17-00I work with 4 yr. olds and most of mine have not been sleeping since they were three. We have mandatory cot time though, what works for me is: cots are laid out in assigned spaces every day. Soft music is played "Children of dreams" is one they especially like. I then let two children come to my table and choose a book on tape to listen to at their cot. I have 6 children and 2 tape players and the children waiting for their turns are quiet. Some have even fallen asleep waiting for their turn. Good Luck to the rest of you.
10-16-00I like to play Discovery Toys' "Sounds Like Fun" tape or lullaby music. Looking at laminated art cards and books for an hour helped settle them down. The ones who were still awake got to listen to a short book on tape before being excused to a special sensory activity. The 2s & 3s slept but the 4s didn't.
9-15-00At naptime we have a little puppet friend named Mrs. Nap. She comes out only when the children are laying on their cots and are quiet. She tucks them in and kisses them goodnight. They love her and they know that when she comes out, they need to be quiet or she will go into hiding!
9-11-00I teach preschool, and some days they just do not want to nap. I let the restless ones "help" me by rubbing other children's backs. After a few minutes they are asked to go rest themselves. I never have any problems, they are so proud of themselves the go right back to their cots and fall asleep.
9-11-00During nap time play "peaceful " tunes such as, 'The greatest love of all ', by Whitney Houston,' Imagine', by John Lennon,' We Are The World", 'A Child's Gift of Lullabies' and Anne Murray has a wonderful easy listening Christian CD out with many remakes of songs like 'Lean on Me' and ' A Closer Walk with Thee Your little ones will be in la-la land before you know it!
8-27-00Naptime Naptime has been a real fight since we are in a portable building next to a construction site for our new school. So have a floating time. During this time, we see who can float the quietest on their mat. I tell them that only those that can keep still will stay afloat. It is amazing how quickly they are quiet and some even sleep. Later on in the year, I change it to ZYLAR time. Zylar is short for zip you lips and read. They love being zylarized as much as they love floating.
8-21-00I used to teach K-4 and I entered into teaching a class that had had 8 teachers through out the year and was known to be the worst class. I Loved that class with all my heart and found a relaxation tape to play at nap time where they listen to the tape and did what it said...like lay down and get comfortable with your legs straight, your eyes closed, imagine you are floating on a fluffy cloud through the night sky. Reach out and grab a star or 2...etc. It worked like a charm! Every child was asleep with in just a few minutes.
8-20-00We hung Christmas lights around the border of the room, which we only turn on at naptime. The children love their "nightlight." It makes the room so pretty and relaxing. We also listen to soothing music.
8-20-00I sometimes have used those plastic containers that are filled with tiny objects floating around water and oil mixed together. The children get mesmerized by the slow motion and drifts off to sleep.
8-2-00I have a 3yr old class, so settling down for nap can be hectic. Before nap time my class has child/teacher initiated activities outside or in the gym, so they are pretty wound up. When its nap time we go to the room and get mats out. Everyone lays out their own mat with teachers help after they have gone to the potty, washed hands and had a small drink of water. I (or the teacher in charge of nap) makes sure that each mat is side by side with the heads of the mats switching every other way. That way each child's head is between two children feet. This really works. It keeps them from chatting at nap time and they fall asleep quicker. I also have a tape of some sort playing really low, usually relaxing sounds such as the waves at the beach or the noises in the forest. These tapes can be purchased in a Hallmark store. I hope this works for you as good as it does for me.
8-1-00The very best naptime idea of all time is to have a musically talented staff member softly play lullabies on the guitar as the kids drift off to sleep. I also discovered after years of rushing to get the naptime routine done, it works much better to just let the kids take their sweet time getting themselves ready - potting, drinks, etc. Also, at our center we're big on children learning self-help skills, so we put the mats out, but the children get their own sheets and blankets out and put them on with assistance from a friend if needed. It's a nice change from the rushed way we used to do it, and the kids seem ready to rest after this period of unstructured time. Then the lights go out and the music begins.
7-31-00I'm not sure if this is any different from what you all are doing, but this is what we do at St. Mary's Day Care. We label all the cots/mats with numbers and then we have piece of washable board. We use permanent marker to draw rectangles of where the cots go. Then we use dry ease markers to put numbers and the children's names in the rectangles for the week. Only one child for that cot number. We change the cots sheets and wash them weekly. This chart is hanging up on the wall for all the staff workers to view. We play all kinds of music like classical, Country Western, light rock, and tapes of the ocean. We rub backs. To make this transition go smooth we dim the lights and have the cots out with their own blanket or stuffed animal. Hope this helps with the stress level.
7-18-00My favorite CD is "Warm And Tender" by Olivia Newton-John. The kids can't make it past the first song "Jenny Rebecca". My own son, a child with Autism, who had a very difficult time settling down couldn't make it through the first song.
7-17-00I really don't have problems with the children taking naps because by the time it is nap time, they are really tired. I turn off the lights and sometimes I will turn on the sounds of nature video w/ gospel hymns playing softly in the background. Very soothing.
7-15-00I use this idea only during the Christmas season, but it seems magical to the kids. We turn off all of the lights except the ones on the tree. Then I pick a Christmas story to read. All of the children gather around me and the tree with their blankets or stuffed animals. I read the book in a whisper voice so that they have to be quiet to hear it. At the end of the story they tiptoe back to their mats and I put in instrumental Christmas music to snooze to. The sleepers are out immediately and the no sleepers usually stare at the Christmas lights dreaming of Santa.
7-15-00I use many different ways all rolled into one...this way I catch the attention of all of the different personalities. I teach 3 and 4 year olds. After lunch, the children clean up, potty, and wash. Then, they get their blanket and sleep friend, sit on their mat, and "read" a book to themselves. This is not necessarily a quiet time, but I keep it to a "dull roar." By the time all the children are done eating and cleaning up, then it's time to put the books away, turn off the lights and lay down. Each day I have a helper who turns out the lights and chooses a story to listen to (record or tape). We listen to the story at a moderate volume...decreasing gradually as the story continues and as the room becomes more quiet. At this time, I am covering the children with their blankets and reminding them to keep their heads down and no talking. When the story is done, I then turn on a smooth jazz station on the radio, or listen to a Quiet Time music tape. Those still awake get their backs rubbed for a while. Our nap time is from 12-2 every day. If a child has not fallen asleep by 1:00, I then give them a quiet activity to do while laying on their mat...flannel graph, small building toys that are quiet, puzzles, coloring, books, etc. These children are the ones that just don't need naps anymore, and I don't believe they should be tortured to do so. One of the most important lessons I've learned over many years is that if I keep the music during naptime at a moderate level in the classroom, the children do not wake up every time someone walks into the room, or rummages through a cupboard, or staples something to the wall, etc. My kids can sleep through anything now!!
7-14-00I have a few children who have trouble laying down for naps, I always have pre made crowns in my cabinet. I give one to each child who has trouble napping, and tell them that they are prince, and princesses. They need to sleep like prince, and princess. They love the fact that they have their own special crown for napping!
7-14-00Knowing how I "melt" at my reflexology sessions I started doing foot massages at sleep time - just simple kneading, bending the feet with a tweaking of toes using baby powder (dream dust). Eyes must be shut during the massage and we play Mozart organ music in the background to block out extraneous noises. It has the desired effect on most but its quite funny to see a forest of legs going up into the air when I walk into the room after turning off the light - all wanting their turn.
7-14-00During nap time I have a favorite tape in which I play only at nap time on the ghetto. It is by Anne Murray the title is called "Hippo in the Bathtub". The kids really enjoy it. Even the most active ones settle down and listen. Usually within a month or two the kids are singing quietly along.
7-14-00for naptimes I always use a relaxing, "nonverbal" tape such as ocean music or a tape recording of a waterfall or gentle rain, (not a thunderstorm!). I occasionally use a story (particularly for 3-year-olds and older), but I still have been known to use the sound recording as a background to some stories. After lunch or an after-lunch playtime preceding naps, I darken the room, and put on the relaxation tape to help the kids "get into the mood" and know what to expect while I prepare cots, mats, or cribs. I circulate around the room to rub backs, and rock or lay with more restless kids. At the end of nap time (or just before the end) I put on a "happy" tape of bouncier sung music to ease them out of sleep. They may go into nap with some resistance, but even the more stubborn kids usually fall asleep fairly quickly.
7-14-00I teach 3 year olds and our nap time is right after lunch. All mats and blankets and pillows are put out while they are eating. After they wash up after potty they go to their mats. I play a compilation of lullabies I taped or "Return to Pooh Corner" by Kenny Loggins. I remind them at lunch that if they eat nicely and quickly then I will have time to red them a story. Favorites are: "Good Night Moon", "The Napping House" "Little Bear can't Sleep". When I finish reading, I always tell them what a good morning we had and how proud of them I am. I they take a little snooze then everyone will feel good and we'll have a great afternoon. I also find that after naptime and potty again; they like to just sit and be read to until they fully wake up. "The Napping House" is also great for then because it can be read with much more animation and excitement at the end!
7-14-00I teach 4 year olds. I make sure their cots are out and ready for nap. I also make sure the room is going to be dark enough. After lunch I have them read a book on their cot for 10 minutes while listening to Hap Palmers Multicultural Cd or Andrew Lloyd Weber naturally. This allows them to calm down and me to clean up the lunch tables. Then, I have them put their books away and I rub backs. They are asleep in 10 minutes.
7-14-00I work with 4 and five year olds. I have found telling the children that if they want a back rub that they need to rest quietly on their mats and shut their eyes. They love to have their backs rubbed as they listen to a lullaby tape. I also allow them to sleep on a pillow or with a blanket from home. They are able to pick any special nap time friend (a stuffed animal) and lay down with it. This a simple tip, not the most creative, but it works. I also allow any child who isn't a nap taker to do a puzzle, draw pictures or read a book as long as they're quiet. I tell them that they need to speak softly and not keep/wake up the other children. I tell them (It's almost always just one child awake) that they can be my special helper at that time, but I remind them if they wake the others that they won't be able to be my special helper because that wouldn't be fair. It really works well, especially for a child who doesn't always listen to teachers. They feel special and will cooperate easily.
7-13-00I have recorded on a 90 minute tape some of the most boring classical music I could find (records from the Goodwill store work well). We lay down for nap time right after lunch so that the tummies are full. Be sure to give a filling lunch. I put the music on and within 4-5 minutes all children are asleep. Most of the time the first ones on their beds are already asleep as I am getting the babies changed and on their beds. But the music (no words!) and full tummies seem to be the solution. Also, sleep 'good' nappers in between restless nappers.
7-13-00I spray "Sweet Dream Spray". I purchase the cheap body spray at the dollar store. Vanilla, peach, watermelon, etc. and I spritz one spray over each child's mat after they lay down. The kid's love the smell and are convinced that they will dream wonderful things if they can just fall asleep with the aroma of "Sweet Dream Spray". Serves as a nice air freshener for all those sweaty bodies too!
7-12-00Nap time has been easy ever since I bought a tape with nature sounds on it. It has sounds like a stream, birds. loons, owls and other things in nature. The children love it and so do the teachers. This works very well with 3 - 5 year olds.
7-12-00I have found the easiest way to settle my newly acquired class of 3 and 4 year olds is this. During their lunch I set out the cots, ALWAYS in the same location. The children watch to see when theirs has been put down. Then as the last few children are finishing lunch, bathroom, and hands washing, I put on the same tape. I found the tape at a Target store from their Lullaby Club. It includes a different version of Twinkle Tinkle Little Star. Just today I overheard one of my children say he waited for a certain song before going to sleep each day. As always consistency is key.
7-10-00During the school year we use sparkle bottles...just clear plastic pop bottles with colored water and glitter. After each child has gone potty or 'tried' they can pick out a sparkle bottle and play with it on their cot until the lights are turned off. Then during the summer, sparkles bottles are put away and each child can bring in a small flash light. After potty time they sit on their cots and play flash light tag on the ceiling. Then we collect them when it is time to go to sleep.
7-10-00At the end of lunch once a few of the children have finished eating (we eat in our rooms family style), have gone potty and are ready to go to their mats, I turn on soft music and have those children go pick a book to look at on their mat while their friends finish lunch. Once all of the children are on their mats with their books, I start a story tape (or CD). Some of the tapes are store bought and some are the voices of mommies and daddies. While the children listen to the story and look at their books, I get out the "sleepy dust" (scented body powder. I go around to each mat whispering softly to the children while I put the powder on their hands, tuck them in, and sprinkle a bit of powder on their blankets. Once I am finished and the story is over the children are completely relaxed and ready to rest. They absolutely LOVE the "sleepy dust" and it makes our classroom smell so nice!!
6-5-00My class never settles right down for nap so for the first hour I play story records or tapes. By then most of the children are asleep and I put on classical music or nature sounds (this even makes me want to take a nap!).
5-29-00For naptime I made a tape of all the kids favorite stories on it. I either read the stories into the recorder or taped cassette to cassette with stories on tape. We listen to one side of the tape then switch to music for 45 min. Then we go back to stories which seems to keep the children who don't sleep anymore occupied. Hint: go to the library and pick up tapes by Bill Harley. He does great stories as well as songs!!! Monsters in the bathroom is a good one.
5-28-00To help the children settle for nap time, we allow the children to choose a book to settle down with while they are on their mats. At the same time we play soft music such a Enya, Bach, pan flute music. Then after a few minutes we say book time is over and we collect the books then they lay and listen to the music. We also allow a stuffed toy to be cuddled with during nap time.
4-29-00Our naptimes are usually stress free. I have 3 & 4 year olds. They are allowed to bring a shoe box (quiet box) from home with quiet toys, books, puzzles, etc. Nothing that makes noise. Everyday after lunch the children get these boxes out and bring them to their cots. This is the only time of the day they can have them. We ask the parents to change toys periodically. They usually get them for 15 minutes on their cot, we set a timer. When the timer goes off they put their box of things away. The timer is the bad guy not the teacher. They then are told that they don't have to sleep but, must be quiet for the remainder of quiet time. This period is usually one hour to one and a half hours depending one if kids are still sleeping. Some kids don't sleep but, most will fall asleep after a short time. It has worked for us and the children that don't sleep know that when the timer goes off the second time they are free to put their cots away and get a book or quiet game at the table until all others are awake. For those sleepy heads we only let them sleep one and one half hours at most. Works great!!
4-26-00In the room where our children nap, we put up room darkening blinds, on the ceiling of the room we put up those glow in the dark star and constellation sets you can get almost anywhere...the children love looking up and gazing at the stars while listening to soft music...one of the children's absolute favorites is an album by Olivia Newton-John titled, "Warm and Tender" it is an album of lullabies and soft music, the children love it.
4-12-00I work with 3,4,and 5 year olds. Once the children have finished their lunch we have them get a book they enjoy off of the shelf and go to their own cot or a friend's cot to look at the book. After about 10 minutes we have them lie down on their cots I sit in a big rocking chair in the middle of the classroom and read a chapter from a book such as Stuart Little or Charlottes Web. As the chapter ends my voice gets more quiet and soothing. Once the chapter is finished I tell the children to close their eyes and picture in their mind what happened in the book. Then we sit with the children and softly pat or rub their backs. We have soft music playing as the children lay down to rest. This works great. Some kids are asleep before the chapter is over.
Date: 4-5-00I play classical music at naptime in my room. I also play Sleepy Time songs. This is a favorite of the little ones. The room is set up to promote a quiet resting environment. I also have a laminated sign on the outside of my door that reads, "Shhhhhhhh it is naptime for Pre - K" I also request that the office turn our intercom off, so that the children are not startled awake by announcements. We can still contact the office if we need to.
Date: 3-28-00To make nap or rest time more novel, we like to pretend we are camping out. We make our cots or just bring a pillow over to the circle time rug and stretch out on the floor. We turn off the lights and I use a flashlight to point out different things in the room. Then I open a book, we really like Can't You Sleep Little Bear?, and then I use the flashlight to highlight the pictures or text. Before long we are all relaxed and ready for a nap.
Date: 3-28-00Teachers aren't the only ones who need to relax and de-stress. Children are also highly stressed. To help relax the students at quiet time or nap time, I use a fountain (you can make your own or use a commercially purchased one that is so popular now) and let the children listen to the gentle flow of the water. Sometimes I will say things like..."it sounds like it is raining" or I will stretch and make yawning and stretching sounds and deep breathing sounds to encourage the children to imitate me. It helps us all relax and even if we don't nap, we come back to the schedule of the day calmer and happier.
Date: 3-26-00I teach 3 to 5 year olds. I read them a story from our library or a story one of my children has brought in from home. After the story I help all the children with their blankets. Then I read a chapter from a chapter book. We are reading Charlotte's Web right now. I explain to the children they can see the pictures when they close their eyes. They love this sometimes they ask for more than one chapter to be read. After we finish the story we are talking about watching the movie.
Date: 3-10-00At nap time, I have a CD that I put on for the kids of rainforest sounds. They absolutely love this and it relaxes them and they fall quickly asleep. Most of the sounds are like crickets and frogs and birds, but it's really quite serene and beautiful.
Date: 3-7-00My 4's are learning to tell time now, and many are also outgrowing naps. To accommodate children who do not sleep, I ask that everyone lie "still and quiet" for half and hour. ('til the big hand is on the twelve!) At that time, I come around to each child who is still awake with a basket of "water toys", and each chooses a favorite. The water toys can be bought or made. Store-bought toys have sand or oil droplets that flow gently. Homemade water toys can be made from small plastic containers; fill with a mixture of colored water and mineral oil, or fill with mineral oil or corn syrup and add glitter, confetti, ribbon curls or other small materials. Be sure to hot glue the lids very securely! These toys make no noise, and the slow, drifting colors and materials actually sooth the children. Many drift off to sleep with toy in hand! Of course, you'll want to let the children know that these toys are to be tipped slowly, and never shaken or banged!
Date: 3-30-00This idea was thought up by one of my assistants - great idea - At nap time we use school purchased cots. We also have cot sheets for each of our cots that I reuse each year that hold up very well. I tried putting masking tape on each child's cot with their name on the frame of the cot in a visible spot so we could tell which cot was which. Some of the children could not resist peeling the tape off their cots (I have 3 year olds)! We wash our cot sheets once a week, along with their pillow and pillow cases. My assistant suggested we write a child's name on an index card and put double stick tape on the back of the index card then stick this card under their pillow on the cot sheet. When we are putting out cots we can see whose cot we are putting out. The kids just love seeing their name on their cot in their spot. Most of the time, every day at nap time, they pick up their pillow to look to make sure they are on their cot!! This helps with name recognition and it is easy to do!
2-23-00Our naptime is right after lunch. There are three rooms of 4-year-olds going down at the same time. We all play our choice of quiet music or sounds to block out noises from other rooms. Something that I found for me that works quite well-- I tell the children that when they are lying still I will come and cover them and rub their back. During this time I sing to them quietly. They love this personal time and settle quickly. Even the children that Never go to sleep will settle for a while. After everyone has had their 'love' and is tucked in I turn on the cassette. I find that this is a great time to show the children nurturing love and bond with them better.
2-20-00To assure a peaceful rest time, we allow the children to bring a special stuffed animal or blanket from home. This makes them feel safe and comfortable. We send the blankets home every week for their parents to clean them. We also play soft music such as Mozart to calm the children. We have been very successful with these ideas.
12-6-99I work with preschoolers and I always have trouble getting some of the children to sleep, so I drew a bed on a piece of poster board and made an animal for every child in the class and it had their name on it. If they took a nap, they could put their animal on the bed. It has been working great!!! Glenda ideaAt my center we eat lunch and then have naptime. I work with two year olds. The best idea I can give is during lunchtime, I shake a lavender sachet around the room. The room smells good and lavender is actually proven to relax people. The children are asleep in no time. GOOD LUCK!! Date: 12-2-99ideaIf working with older children who do not nap, but are required to have a quiet time, try using quiet activities. I put together a box with small Ziploc bags holding quiet, solitary activities, such as small puzzles, some Lego, hanging monkeys, activity sheets with crayons, etc. The children chose a bag, or received the bag a teacher grabbed, and were able to work on the activity quietly on their mat. After a certain amount of time, the children could switch. This idea was developed after years of trying to get four and five year olds, to be quiet and still on their mats! Date: 11-27-99ideaI work with 2 year olds. In order to make nap time easier, I have the kids relax with quiet time. After they all finish their lunch, they read books. Then, I read them one or two of their favorite books while they sit on their mat. For the final book, they have to lay down and just listen. I tell them that it is a listening story. One of their favorite stories is the Napping House. This works really well for me. Also, the kids that have the hardest time falling asleep are usually my least active kids so when we are at outdoor play, I make sure to encourage them to run somewhere or go get something for me to burn some energy. Date: 11-7-99ideaA good way to get them to settle down is to play "possum". I explain that when an opossum sees someone coming they lay down, close their eyes and pretend they are asleep. All the children love to be little possums and I walk around the room to each child and say "Ashley is being a possum, she has her eyes closed and is laying really still". I walk around the room for about 15 minutes doing that, and most of the children will have fallen asleep. Also, at the beginning of naptime I put in a tape of classical music and rub the backs of children that have a hard time settling down. Date: 10-31-99ideaAt our school we have a sound machine in each class. It has different sounds to choose from: Heartbeat and gentle rain are our favorite to fall asleep to. The children know that when that is turned on it's time to lay down. We don't play it any other time. Date: 10-31-99ideaAs far as nap music goes, Bob Marley is the best for us. I find that kids are calmed by the melodic beat of reggae. Marley's brand of reggae is slow and steady, just what the nappers need. Date: 10-31-99ideaWe put in a cassette called 'Mouse Tales' in which the author narrates the story about 'papa mouse' telling the young ones that they go to sleep after he tells them a story. He has a very soothing voice and the story is amusing and keeps the children quiet. This has worked for our age group 18 months to 5 years. It is written and told by Arnold Lobel Date: 10-11-99ideaNaptime in a preschool room is a rather stressful time. I have found that after the children have gotten onto their mats, pulling out a bottle of "Sweet Dream spray helps them to get to sleep much faster. The spray is very diluted vanilla flavoring and water. It really works and the kids really believe that they will have sweeter dreams from the sweet smell. Date Posted: 9-23-99ideaHello, I'm a preschool teacher and I speak French. I will try to explain how i live my sleeping time. But I'm sorry about the faults... My students love the relax time. First, i do the balloon massage. I teach them who to do it. They lied down on the stomach and I pass with my balloon on there back, legs, arms... After a few days, I choose my two helpers of the day to do the massage with me. They love it. When there is no relax time, they are sad. Try it , its wonderful, Johanne Date Submitted: 9-19-99
Date: 8-19-99At our center every room listens to the same music so that the children are not hearing different sounds through walls and windowed areas. We all listen to Kenny Loggins "Return to Pooh Corner" It is very calming for the students and the teachers enjoy it as well.
Date: 8-19-99Each day there is a helper of the day. At rest time that helper goes over to our library to choose a book that he/she wishes me to read to the class. As soon as all the children are comfortably on their mats, I then ask them to put on their imagine caps and listen to the story I am about to read. Usually within about six pages the whole classroom is asleep. Date: 8-12-99Everyday my pre-K class goes to sleep enjoying the relaxing music of " A CHILD'S GIFT OF LULLABIES " FYI: Available @Wal-Mart .
Date: 8-12-99I have taught 2 year olds at a Mother's Day Out program for the last 10 years. I always play soft music during naptime. My ABSOLUTE favorite is "Sleep Sound in Jesus" by Micheal Card. During the school year, I listen to it for 1 1/2 hours twice a week and never get tired of hearing it! Date: 7-2-99Just did a unit on "Our Big Backyard!" and include this rest time idea. We erected two tents OUTSIDE for 14 children. Separating them carefully, we let them take pillows, blanket, and rest toy. I sat in the doorway to make sure they laid quietly. Name: Date: 6-28-99I have a class of 12 children 41/2-5 years old. We follow a familiar and comfortable routine each day and believe it or not nap time is a smooth relaxing event for my little gang. One exciting thing we do is "star restores". Each day that they are great restores each individual child earns one star(I made a "star rester" poster with their names and to keep count of the stars they have earned)when they earn 6 stars they have the exciting and honored task of choosing a small age appropriate prize from the 'star rester box'---WOW!!! When everyone is settled on their mat we go through our routine...."Madison, you have 3 stars how many more will you need to pick from the star rester box?" It is really great fun and the children are working on math skills during their quest for stars. Parents donate small party favors-stickers-even fast food toys work great. The children really enjoy our nap time challenge and they are very proud of themselves when it is their turn to shine as a STAR RESTER!!!! Date: 6-28-99I work with 27 4 year olds! I have a hard time getting them all to nap, so what I have started doing is after lunch, take them outside for about 20 minutes to run off some energy so when they come in for nap, they are worn out, so they go to sleep much quicker Date: 5-31-99As soon as the children lie down for naptime time I play cassette tapes of instrumental gospel music. (On low volume) .
Date: 5-31-99I do find naptime to be a stressful time of the day. A part of our program is for our older children to have a quiet time on their mat. This is not always a very "quiet", quiet time, so each day (or every few days) I change our quiet mat materials. The most successful is a quiet moment to close our eyes and remember our morning; what mommy was wearing ,what boots/shoes did you where, what was your favorite part of group time etc...We then draw a picture of our day in our own space on our mats. This is so relaxing and they so enjoy it.
Date: 5-31-99areaNap time ideas: I have my own preschool-ages 3-5.Two things work for me at Rest time: 1. While getting on our mats, we play the "quiet game"-whoever is the most quiet while taking shoes off, choosing a stuffed animal, and laying down, WINS! preschoolers are very competitive, and they enjoy this game! 2. After they lay down, I come around with "Mr. Happy Face" or you could call him Mr. sleepy Head). He is a fuzzy yellow puppet who kisses and hugs each child ,and says," Goodnight ______, I love you, be a good rester." The children love him , and don't rest until Mr. Happy Face kisses them goodnight!
Date: 5-31-99Because I have two small children, I have gotten into the habit of having a story before naptime (and bedtime). I have all the children lie down on their tummies on a single bed while I kneel on the floor in front of the bed. We lay the book on the bed so that all the children can see the pictures and read and talk about the story and pictures. This works very well for us because I have a family child care centre and only a small number of children. I find that I can even have a child that is one year or under in the group without much problem as long as the story is short enough for the very young child. My children love this very special time of day. Date: 5-20-99At a recent workshop I learned two excellent transitioning stratigies! One was for transitioning into naptime, which can be one of the toughest transitions of the day! Go to Toys R Us, or even to a dollar store and pick up a play wand, something fun with lots of glitter and sequins! At naptime walk slowly around the room and find the children that are resting quietly, say something like " Oh, I like how Mandy is resting quietly, I think she is ready for the naptime wand!" Then rub the child's back gently with the wand and sing "Goodnight Mandy, Goodnight Mandy, Goodnight Mandy, It's time to rest right now." The other children will want to be next for the naptime wand and will quiet down! It works very well in my class. It makes the child feel that they are really recieving something special, and the one on one closeness that you will share with each child for those few moments help them to calm down. Date: 4-18-99I have a stack of "nap time" books. These are books that have a calming effect on the children. The books are intended to be read in a soft spoken, nurturing type of voice. Afterwards everyone finds their cot (same place it always is)lays down and I play lullaby music the whole time they are sleeping. I have found it is comforting to the children to awake with the same environment that they went to sleep in. I find nap time very relaxing. Sometimes I have a child who will request to have his back rub. Date: 3-20-99Children aged 2 1/2 to 4 are in my classroom. Usually just before lunch we have 5mins of circle time so that the children settle down and quiet themselves. After lunch they do their jobs - potty, wash hands and mouth with soap. We close the blinds down and take most of the lights off. We allow the children to choose three Dr. Seuss books and whisper read for 10 mins on their mat, shoes are off and they are allowed one stuffed animal from home and of course their blanket. They are not allowed to talk to each other or get off of their mats for anything else. After 10 mins we choose two children to be book collectors and one of the three teachers in my classroom will read a chapter from our chapter book. Currently we are reading Mr. Poppins Penguins. Sometimes we use a taped story from our listening center then read a chapter from Mr. Poppins Penguins. Story time is limited to 20mins. By the time we are through, 95% of 18 children are asleep with no teacher assistant and the 5% need only minimal assistance. I hope this works as wonderful for others as well. Date: 3-20-99Everyone has a bottle of lotion that they do not use, or maybe don't like. I took mine and turned it into "sleep lotion" , it works much like sleeping dust. After everyone has gotten on their mats, I go around and give each child a little of the lotion. I drew a pic. of a child sleeping in a bed and taped it to the front of the bottle to cover up the name. The children slowly rub it into their hands, it helps them relax, and they are still and sleepy in no time. Date: 12-21-99I wrote this song to sing (quietly) at naptime to the tune of "A Hunting we will Go" My hands have gone to sleep. My hands have gone to sleep. They cannot move or make a peep. My hands have gone to sleep. Continue to sing this song substituting the words eyes, lips, feet, arms, legs, etc. I used to sing this to my two boys when they were toddlers and it worked great! Date: 1-19-99For the past few months I have been reading Dr. Seuss and P.D. Eastman type rhyming stories at the start of naptime. The rhythm and rhyme seems to have a calming effect for most of my kids. The rule is everyone has to be laying down on their cots. The group ranges in age from 2 1/2 to older 4's. The older kids are providing some of the rhyming words and the younger ones are beginning to catch on. If you read in a quiet voice, eyes begin to droop as you near the end of your story. It doesn't work 100% of the time, but give it a try! Date: 12-29-98My son is in daycare, in a room of 3 - 5 year olds. Some of them don't take naps anymore. I have made "Cot Bags" for quiet time during naps. The children can only play with these on their cots. Inside a ziplock bag is a book and a related action figure. For instance, I put a small plush pooh bear in with a Winnie the Pooh book. I buy these things at Goodwill, and actually spend very little money on them. The children enjoy the Cot Bags and even hurry up eating lunch so they can get to the bags quicker. 11-21-98 In order for naptime to be beneficial for everyone involved, it must be organized and the children must understand the routinue. While my children are eating lunch, I put their restmats out and start to play their resttime music "Return To Pooh Corner" by Kenny Loggins. This is full of wonderful songs that the children know, and it is also a signal to them to start to relax. After lunch and bathroom, the children lay down. They are not allowed to have anything on their restmats except for their blanket, and a stuffed animal. Within a few minutes, the majority of them are sleeping. Now, after seeing the other children sleeping, my non-sleepers have actually started to rest, much to the amazement of their parents.
11-21-98 I taught 2 year olds and what worked for me was to read Margert
Wise Brown's Good Night Moon consistently everyday. The children read along with me and at
the end, we all say good night. I say good night to each child by name and then they go to
their mat. I always play some sort of instrumental music, whether its classical or new
age. It has to be quiet and no lyrics though. It works wonders! Of course there is always
backs to be rubbed and I always start with the energetic ones. I had many children that
would lay down and sleep without all the fuse. Hope these ideas help some one! 11-21-98 Name: Lisa
11-21-98 Name: erica 10-14-98 Name: casey 10-4-98 Margie I have a family day home with one child in each age group. Some
things that 9-23-98 Name: Chastity 9-14-98 Name: Sandy E-Mail: sgob@win.bright.net Having a consistent naptime routine, and a designated spot for each child works well with my children.Try to choose quiet, still activities to do while you are waiting for the children to fall asleep. Save sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, or other "busy" activities for after they are sleeping. Choose something boring so you are not stimulating the children.Play soothing music with incorporated sounds such as whales, birds, running water, loons, thunderstorms...If available or within your budget, provide lava lamps, tornado lamps, fiber optic lighting, ooze tubes, sand art or timers or other items of the sort, for the children to watch quietly while they lay down. Explain to the children that while the lamp or other chosen item are being used there is to be no talking, and they have to lie still or it will be put away. 9-2-98 Name: Brenda E-Mail: bjo4@worldnet.att.net URL: http://www.perprtualpreschool.com At naptime in my classroom I turn off all of the lights. Everyone is to lie down and be quiet. I play instrumental music. My favorite is Kenney G jaz. Most of the kids will lie quietly and eventually go to sleep. Some days all of the kids are sleeping in less than 30 minutes of Kenney G. 8-26-98 Name: Dawn E-Mail: dswan@techheadnet.com I think the best naptime I have had was when it was christmas and I hung christmas lights across the room diagonally. All over when I turned the lights off it looked like a bunch of stars! They absolutely loved it. And there was no problem when it came to sleep! :) 8-8-98 Name: Nancy E-Mail: itsall2much@navix.net Hi, my little ones act like they really enjoy nap time. They go do the same time everyday. I have been using Baby Go To Sleep Tapes (which are lullabies and nursery rhymes sung with a heartbeat in the back ground). I am now also using Mozart for Babies CD's. I think they are both outstanding. All I have to do is say "do you want to go nite-nite" and they take my hand and walk to their rooms. My 2 1/2 year old asks for the tape, if I happen to forget. Also another nice thing about Mozart, is that it is suppose tohelp children be more intelligent. The web-site for the baby go to sleep tapes is, http://win-edge.com/BabyGoToSleep.shtml 7-30-98 Name: Rhonda Sue E-Mail: yuhasz@gte.net I have 30 three-year olds in a class for nap time. As they are eating their lunch either myelf or my team teacher will put a few toys on each child's cot. (A handful of legos works great!) As the children finish with thier lunch, clean up and "potty", they go and play quietly on thier cots until all ofthe other children are done and on thier cots. I then have a "helper" or two collect the toys in a basket. Then turn off the lights and put on the soft music and rub backs. This is a great way to keep the children who are on their cots first busy while the others are finishing up. Works great for me! 7-22-98 Name: Lisa E-Mail: agape37@aol.com Each of my daycare children have their own pillow--I think that's why they fall right asleep when they hit their pillows. If you do not have storage for pillows, just cut large pillows in half and sew them. Pillows make all the difference in the world--works for me and has for over nine years!! 7-17-98 Name: Jackie E-Mail: aewings@sunherald.infi.net When trying to get our little ones to settle down for nap, I walk through each room and spray my "magic sleepy dust" which I can only buy from the magic store. It is really just a can of either peach or vannila scented air freshner that I have covered with pretty paper. I spray a few squirts in each class room and as the scent falls the children start to say how they can feel the effects and get very quiet and still. The teachers then start to rub the backs of those children that need extra attention. The children look forward to my daily visit to their naproom. 7-17-98 Name: Jeanette E-Mail: mykit@frontiernet.net Naptime usually is handled this way at my home. I have older children (5-9 yrs.) and they generally don't sleep. I have created "quiet boxes". They are simple to make. I purchased plastic shoeboxes and searched dollar stores for activity books and other games. Then I added cassette players with earphones and books and tapes, paper, pencils, crayons, ananything small enough for the box. Works great and keeps non-sleepers very quiet. Rule is if you get to loud you lose the box. 7-9-98 Name: Kim E-Mail: KJack10055@aol.com First I must say Amen to Hap Palmer's Seagulls Album.... It is great. I have also done some special activities with my 4 and 5 year olds in the past.... We have rested by pumpkin light (Of course using the pumpkin we carved as a class) during the Halloween season, Christmas Lights during Christmas etc. I also have often allowed the "leader" for the day to sit in my chair and hold up a book that goes along with one of those book and tape sets, and turn pages at the chimes. Great for self esteem, and the children are very attentive. Occasionally, I will have a child who is reading already, and this is a prime opportunity to let this child read a story to the entire class. 7-4-98 Name: Jennifer E-Mail: princess17@snet.net I allow 30 minutes after lunch for down time. In this time children can look at books, sing or lay down on thier cots. I end this time by reading a story and then begin rubbing backs. This allows the children to digest their lunch a bit before laying down...I know I can't sleep right after I just ate a meal! 7-4-98 Name: Amye E-Mail: MissAmye@juno.com At naptime, I play relaxing music. Some of my favorites include "Piano Romance Naturally," "The Ocean's Edge," "Piano Rain," "Thunderstorms," "Titanic," "The Enchanted Garden," "The Secret Garden," "Rain Pools," and many by Enya. During naptime, I lay with the children individually, rub their backs, tussle their hair, stroke their cheek, or tickle their fingers. Most children are out within 10 minutes. It is important to beware that these strategies are not excepted everywhere. I work at a very reputable preschool, where we are 100% trusted to be this close to the children. If tihs is not something you can practice, I suggest sitting with the child, rubbing his back or playing with his hair, and always play soft and relaxing music. It definitely works!! 6-24-98 Name: Dawn E-Mail: stankintuscola@yahoo.com I always try and pray with the children before naptime. I ask them to lay quietly and then ask them one at a time to tell me what they want to pray about today. They always have something to add. They love to share with the group. Not only does this relax the children but it helps me get to know them better and find out what is important to them. 6-13-98 Name: kelly E-Mail: hamiltok@worldnet.att.net I like to play lullaby =music or Pacaabelles Cannon in D.I sit with the children and rub or pat backs. Some of the children have their favorite animal or blanket. Some even hold onto a photograph.The children as they are done eating and clean up get their own things for nap and then lay on their mats. For early risers I sometimes move their mat away from the sleepers and give them books to look at or I sit with them and rub backs agian and just spend time with them. 6-7-98 Name: Linda E-Mail: jjplrp@mindspring.com Early childhood classroom teachers may not need to do much "digging" to find an excellent source of classical music for their children. I recommend the teachers to check into thier local Public Radio station for classical programing. Our local station, WDAV from Davidson College, even has a program "Mozart Cafe" from noon to 2:00PM - perfect for lunch and rest time! And the best part: IT'S FREE!!! 4-13-98 Name: Melanie E-Mail: ryancas@aol.com I work in a Mother's Day Out program with 2 year olds. Unfortunately, our classroom is crowded with 14 children. Since August, we've had maybe one or two fall asleep during nap time. Until last month, when I discovered the Heartbeat Music Therapy tapes distributed by Eckerds drugs. Believe it or not, we've had every child but one go to sleep within the first twenty minutes of nap time. This allows my partner and I to regroup before heading into the afternoon. These tapes are a God-send. 4-10-98 Name: Donna E-Mail: Beals7ofus@aol.com When the cherubs head in for snooze time they all hurry in the nap room and hide in their sleeping bags. I then have to "find" them. I comment maybe Joshua is in the pet net......no.......hmmmm maybe he went to work with daddy.......no.....hmmmmm maybe he is under the bed........on and on then I say I might as well fold up his sleeping bag and pretend to fold the sleeping bag up with the child in it! Giggle and laugh! The love it. I then give smooches and scrunches (hugs and kisses!) Believe it or not the cherubs can't wait to head in for nap! After each child has had a turn I put on soft music and rub backs for a while until cherubs are settled. Of course not every day is peaches and cream but it is pretty routine and peaceful 98% of the time! I work with a group of 6 - 8 children ranging in age from 2 1/2 - 5. 3-26-98 Name: Kate E-Mail: kfairlie@mail.ozramp.net.au I do all the usuals to get my group of threes to go to sleep, but the most helpful suggestions I can give are stick to a routine, and use lost of positive encouragement and recognition of those doing what you like. We also listen to music and story tapes, but lately each day I am requested to sing the following song, written for me by a friend. I can't explain the tune, so why not make up one of your own. The Goodnight Song It's time to say goodnight, The stars are shining bright. Later we'll see our friends again, Let's say goodnight till then. There goes our friend called (Child's name) We hope that he/she sleeps well. We all say "Goodnight" (or any other phrase) And later we'll meet again. I repeat this song over and over with the kids lying quietly waiting for their turn. I sometimes substitute the "goodnight" with goodnights in other languages represented in our group or with another phrase such as "read quietly". 3-9-98 GNelson134 I have the children lay on mats, and have a blanket for each one. I put on a tape of lullabies, or soft music. I then spend my time rubbing the childrens backs and whispering to them. 3-8-98 Name: Bonnie E-Mail: bonnie@campbellsvil.edu My music of choice for rest time is Hap Palmer's Seagulls. It is very popular with both the children and the parents. (Many parents have asked for my "magical music", since their children talk about it at home!) As children lay quietly and listen to the soft music, I tiptoe quietly around and rub backs or whisper encouraging words. Children who do not fall asleep or appear to be sleepy after a certain amount of time are allowed to sit quietly on their towels and read a book. 2-24-98 Name: Gina... E-Mail: burkhard@ecsu.campus.mci.net My favorite naptime "trick" is pretty versatile; I can use it no matter what I am doing (cleaning up, rubbing backs, helping a child change clothes, etc). I repeat several sentences/requests in a low, soothing tone. Since we learn the Spanish words for eyes, ears, and hands; sometimes I substitute the Spanish word and sometimes I will vary a specific sentence just a little bit. My basic sentences/requests are- "close your eyes" "don't open your eyes" "keep your eyes closed" "there is nothing for you to see, only for you to hear" "listen to the music" "open your ears" "lay still" "stay still" "don't move" "keep your hands still" "the faster you go to sleep, the faster you can wake up" I do not say these in this order, but mix them up. Occasionally, when things seem a little out of hand with several kids whispering/talking or fussing I will use a "surprise" statement like "oh, here's my favorite song; please be quiet so that I can here it" or I'll say that I can't hear a or my favorite song. Of course, I always praise, too. For instance I will acknowledge with- "__(name of child)___ is laying very still" "__(name of child)___ is being very quiet" "__(name of child)___'s eye's are closed" "__(name of child)___ is asleep" (sometimes I have to add "don't wake him/her up") and I add very goods, greats, fantastic, wonderful, thank you and such. Occasionally, for a very restless child who wants to sleep but is fighting it, I will remind them to lay still, with their eyes closed for 3 (or any number) songs. Then I repeat the reminders. Also, I have used the certain number of songs request for kids who don't sleep on a regular basis. If they can stay still and quiet, TRYING to rest for a certain number of songs; then they can get a book to look at. One of the "secrets" of this that I have discovered is that these requests/statements/sentences must be in a mild, relaxing tone. Barking them as a command or demand doesn't work...in fact it has the opposite effect; it's as if it's a challenge to them to misbehave and they get louder and wilder. Name: Sharon E-Mail: Makayla855@aol.com For the beginning of my nap time we have SQUIRT time. (Super Quiet UnInterrupted Reading Time). This time is when each child has 15-20 minutes of quiet reading time on their cots. I teach preK. They read and this is my time to read also (normally curriculum books, etc.). They are free to change books from the book shelf at any time. Sometimes I have even stretched this out to a half hour. If I forget SQUIRT time...the children always remind me! I find this works wonders! Name: Bonnie E-Mail: Bonnie@multimedic.com I teach older 3 year olds, which can be hard to get down at naptime. Here's something I just started to do -- which seems to really work for everyone. As each child is done with lunch, they are excused to the restroom. While they are gone, I get out the mats, blankets, stuffed animals/dolls. When they get back, they lay down on their mats and wait for everyone to be on their mats. Then, I turn out the lights, cover each child, and say "I love you. Good Night". Then, I have them close their eyes, and listen. Then, I put on a book on tape. Some fall asleep during the story(s). Afterwards, I put on a lullaby tape and pat each child who is not sleeping yet til they are asleep. It's great, and the children love the stories (and they are learning). Name: Teri E-Mail: PrekTchr1@aol I love the Greg and Steve quiet moments. I don't know about the kids but when I play that record I drift off to hawaii or some tropical island in St. Lucia! (LOL) It is a wonderful and relaxing record. I recommend it to anyone! Name: Cheryl E-Mail: Tugboat63 I actually do not have any trouble at rest time. I use the same routine each day with the children. To begin with we begin toilet time 15 minutes after lunch time, this doesn't't give the children much time to become rowdy or get too active. After toilet time each child is put on their blanket and told to have a nice rest. I am not kidding, 10 minutes go by and they are out! I put on the sounds of the ocean or some Celtic music and fill the house with sounds od sleep. I have a wonderful rest time. I think the placement of the children helps as well as the unwinding before. They sleep a good hour and a half sometimes two depending on the day. I feel they need time to recharge and I use the time to plan for the next day! Name: Heather E-Mail: jbbass@bellsouth.net I have used a "Magic Sleep Wand" with several different age groups. I have a wand that is filled with glitter and I wave it around the children's head after they are laying quietly on their mats. I also remember to tell each of them a soft "good night" before the lights go out. That makes each of them feel special. Name: kathie E-Mail: kathie90@aol.com I give a book to the children that don't sleep. I teach three and four year olds and they are the hardest to get down for nap. Name: Laurie E-Mail: princess-laurie@usa.net I have found that some soft playing Yanni works like a charm! Name: Lela E-Mail: LSchnei340@aol.com Name: Lela E-Mail: LSchnei340@aol.com For several years I have used the following technique for getting my little ones to rest quietly. I start by reading a simple but imaginative story, such as "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" by Charles G. Shaw. As I read the story I tend to let my voice grow quieter and softer as we near the end of the story. Then the children "float" to their nap mats and lie down. I visit each child in turn, asking him or her what part of the story they liked best and what type of cloud would they be if they were in the story. Then I ask them to close their eyes and quietly think about being that cloud. I try to ask each about their choices later during afternoon snack. Stories about clouds are our favorites, but we have also been whales, frogs, etc. This activity gives the kids something to focus on for naptime and helps them put aside the hustle and bustle of the day's comings and goings. Name: Alice E-Mail: Sunnyone@sunet.net Name: Alice E-Mail: Sunnyone@sunet.net A song to sing at naptime to the tune of "Froggy Went A-Courtin" Put your little head on your mat, honey Put your little head on your mat, babe, Put your little head on your mat, Now it's time to take a nap Honey, Oh Baby mine Submitted by: Daylene Email: aactchrday@aol.com Today, I journeyed into the deep, dark jungle known as my garage. I felt just like Indiana Jones when I came across a priceless box filled with some old nap time ideas that I had collected. The two ideas listed here can be used to help relax the children after they are settled on their mats. I normally play soft, relaxing music while doing the activities. Sleepy Kitten The kitten stretches, (The children sttttrrrrreeeetttchhhh) Until she is long. She makes a soft little purring song . (The children purr quietly) She yawns a big yawn, (The children yawn) And stretches some more, (Stretch again) And then falls fast asleep on the floor. (Children close eyes) The Clown With No Bones The first time you do this, just read the poem and have the children listen to it. The second time, have the children do the actions in the poem. (The children start out by standing next to their cots or mats) There once was a clown named Timothy Tones, And-would you believe it- he had no bones! From top to toe, no bones at all, And his head rolled around like a rubber ball. He wibbled and wabbled when he walked, And he talked very slowly when he talked. When he yawned, his mouth was oh, so wide, That twenty pebbles could fit inside. And when his shoulders began to sag, He looked like a great, big empty bag! His arms would dangle, his chin would drop, And his long legs would flippety-flop. Timothy Tones went walking one day, The sun was so hot, he just melted away. (The children "melt" to their cots or mats) More ideas to come Submitted by: Daylene Email: aactchrday@aol.com Naptime suggestions Here are some things that I have done throughout the years that help the kiddo's get a good rest:
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