Hello Wonderful Toddler Families!

We are having a wonderful week! With the warmer temperatures, we are hoping to go outside. Thank you, in advance, for sending weather appropriate clothing and footwear for your child.  After a long, cold January, they are so happy for more outdoor adventures!  

Sleep has become a topic of discussion in our classroom. WHY are naps important? Because "sleep begets sleep!”  When your toddler sleeps well during the day, they are more likely to sleep well at night and vice versa. For your child’s internal clock and circadian rhythm to work well together, they need to have quality sleep in a 24-hour period (not just for naps OR nights – but ideally both).

When a child is not getting enough sleep, adrenaline and cortisol increase causing a hyper-alert state and irritability. Cortisol counteracts and suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone) which in turn, makes it difficult to fall asleep. That’s why daytime sleep begets nighttime sleep in young kids. (Cortisol also prevents your child from sinking into a deeper sleep. Even if your child falls asleep, they will wake up more frequently throughout the night.)

HOW are naps best implemented? Establish a routine! In our classroom, we clean up after lunch, then do toileting / diapering, and then we read books for 5-10 minutes. During this time, we also darken the room, and have soft music playing. Afterwards, everyone goes to sleep. 

We realize that each child has different sleep needs. Some need more sleep than others. For those that have a shorter sleep cycle, we encourage them to sleep or play quietly. About halfway through, we assess the room. Those who are awake go to the Big Room or outside for gross motor play.

If you have questions or concerns, please call or come in right away. Keep us informed if something is going on with your child or family at home. We will do the same regarding progress and behavior at school. If they have a good, or less than ideal, sleep cycle the night before, let us know.

Have a wonderful week!

Warmest Regards,

Morahs Megan, K, Sarah