Lesson
Kids’ wellness increases when they learn to make healthy choices about recharging their body and mind in relaxing ways.
The lessons in this unit teach kids that recharge is all about energy—and that your energy is a key influencer of healthy choices. You recharge your energy two ways:
*Following are the minimum and maximum hours of sleep for different age groups as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Ask your kids to share some ways they calm their body and mind. If they choose things like watching TV or playing video games, continue the conversation about how screen time can sometimes rev up our bodies. Kids will agree that screens get them excited and revved up. Try to get them to think about ways that relax the body and brain.
To use this with your students click here.
Quiet Activities that Recharge the Body
Review healthy choices to recharge energy:
Practice Breathing Exercises
You can do a breathing exercise:
Check for understanding: What can you do so you have enough energy to make fit choices?
Plan for a Relaxing Weekend
Students complete the Recharge Your Energy printable by unscrambling the letters to discover relaxing, screen-free activities. Share with students that these activities are examples of things they can do to recharge their energy.
Remind students that recharge, along with mood, influences healthy food and move choices.
Learning to calm the body and relax is an important skill for all people to acquire. At school, find a hallway or area to post the Wellness Way sensory path. Your kids can use this anytime to calm themselves and refocus their energy. Challenge students to track their bedtimes to ensure they are getting the 9–12 hours of sleep they need each night. Discuss what students can do to recharge their energy on their own and when they may need help from an adult.
The earlier we help kids make time to relax, the more likely they are to make it a habit.
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
Examine sleep habits with kids to explore how energy levels are connected to sleep.
Start LessonKids will learn about the importance of bedtime routines and they will reflect on their current routines.
Start LessonTeach kids to think about how much sleep they get each night. Kids will learn how much sleep they need.
Start LessonKids will learn what a sleep zone is and how to create one. Sleep zones can help kids recharge each night.
Start LessonKids will revisit what they have learned about sleep habits, bedtime routines, and sleep zones.
Start LessonEncourage kids to stop and think about their mood and energy levels. This leads to healthier decision making.
Start Lesson