Naptime can be a challenging time for preschool teachers and daycare providers and children. There are sleepers, non-sleepers, criers, those that need their backs rubbed, and those that need special blankets from home. Getting all of the children to nap all at once can be trying.
While children are not always sleepy, it is important for them to rest. Naptime music can help with the transition from activity to restfulness.
The Benefits of Naptime Music
While it may seem counter-intuitive to play music when children are trying to nap, playing music to children is actually a wonderful strategy for getting children to sleep. In a study in Early Child Development and Care, background classical guitar music was played at nap time on alternate days to toddlers and preschool children. The study found that on days when music was played during naptime, children fell asleep faster than on days when no music was played. It is especially beneficial for toddlers as the study revealed that, with naptime music, they fell asleep faster than preschoolers.
Naptime Music Suggestions
- Classical Naptime for Tots [Telarc, 2008]: Satie, Vivaldi, Bach, Debussy, and all the greats on one compact disk provides a thoughtful selection of slow classics perfect for drifting off to sleep.
- The Ultimate Most Relaxing Classics for Kids in the Universe [Savoy, 2007]: This compact disk is the perfect compilation of 29 classical tracks from brilliant composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Fryderyk Chopin, and Claude Debussy.
- Wai Lana's Little Yogis Daydream [Wai Lana Productions, 2004]: This eclectic CD incorporates yoga relaxation techniques to help children get even more restful sleep. Track 1, “We’ll Wake You Up”, is 45 minutes long and is a wake-up son intended to help children come out of their nap. Track 2, “Keep Resting", is 30 minutes of relaxing songs and sounds which gently fade out, letting kids continue to relax or sleep.
- Piano Music for Naptime by Calm Children Collection [Crain Records, 2008]: Original relaxing piano music to help calm and relax even the most spirited and fussiest of children.
- Naptime Classics [Music to Grow on, 2003]: Over 70 minutes of subdued children’s lullabies and nursery rhyme favorites such as “Hush Little Baby”, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”, and “The Farmer and the Dell”.
A wide range of relaxing music for naptime can be purchased on Amazon.com or at popular stores where music is sold like Barnes and Noble or Borders Books. Set the tone for naptime by providing a quiet, darkened atmosphere. By adding soothing and relaxing naptime music, naptime can be more restful and enjoyable for both childcare providers and children.
Resources: Field, Tiffany . "Music Enhances Sleep in Preschool Children," Early Child Development and Care, Vol. 150, 1999.
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