Materials
Chairs
Music of your choice
Instructions
Quiet time is a fact of life in most childcare centers; it is required by government in most states and provinces. Try the following ideas:What's in a Name? Quiet Time versus Nap Time. We all know how hard it is to get children to go to sleep at night so refer to Nap Time as Quiet Time. Or, the children may come up with their own name.From Both SidesParents are a key resource in any children's program. Explain to them the program policy in regards to Quiet Time. Children in child care programs expend lots of energy, and it is important that their bodies have a chance to rest. Many programs run a full twelve hours, and tired children are a real safety factor. It is always great to have parents on your side!Home Away from HomeMany children love to have a familiar friend at Quiet Time. Also, a special blanket and stuffed toy are always comforting.Ready to GrowDon't expect miracles to occur overnight. Starting out, it is important that children feel like part of the program. Encourage them to help label the mats and to choose a spot in the room where they wish to rest. In many programs, new children start in September, so this tends to be a very difficult time for children. Take small steps for your first Quiet Time it might only be ten minutes.Setting the Mood for SuccessWhen placing mats or cots throughout the room, leave enough space between them so that the children can get up safely without falling on top of another child. Be consistent and have the children rest in the same area each day. Play soft music in the background. (Classical, lullaby, and relaxation music are all great choices.) Darkening the room slightly helps enhance the environment. However, don't darken the room too much because some children are frightened by thedark. Use a few nightlights. Group children according to sleep patterns. Use a good transition activity before Quiet Time. For example, having a storybook bag helps prepare the children to rest (see below).What's So Special?Establish a storybook bag that is accessible only at Quiet Time. Choose a variety of books, such as children's favorites, picture books, and theme-related books. Encourage the children to bring books from home to add to the bag, too. (Don't forget to change books on a regular basis.) Read a few stories with the children before putting the books away. This is also a great chance to do some one-on-one reading with the children."My Child Doesn't Rest"Each child is unique. Some parents say that their children will not rest. Some of the children will rest, while others won't. It is important to realize this and make adaptations within your program for the spirited child.Give the children a chance to sleep. Remember, though, that it is not so important that every child actually goes to sleep; it is important that they are quiet while others are resting. Many children enjoy having their backs rubbedwhile they are resting.Dramatized story tapes and CDs are a wonderful addition to any Quiet Time. Many children make sounds or have habits associated with settling down for sleep. For example, some children may like to mumble to themselves before they actually fall asleep. If it is not disturbing anyone, don't worry. As children get up, encourage them to participate in special quiet activities, such as playing with clay, painting, and solving puzzles.
