What do you do when students are sleeping in class?
Generally, it is very difficult in elementary level to find a student falling asleep during their lessons. However, when they sleep, it could be a major distraction to other students and you. Moreover, sleeping while in class could be as a result of another problem, which warrants your full attention. If you are having a student who is sleeping frequently, you need to find out. It might be;
• The student is sleeping very late
• The student might be bored in class
• The student might be having some medical problems
While still digging out the sleeping problem, it is wise to have a pattern of where and when the student. When you find out the reason behind the child sleeping, you will be able to know to handle the situation. You might be required to respond to the issue on the grounds of;
• Medical concern
• Emotional stress
• Motivation issue
• Disciplinary issue
What you should do
• Wake up your student: It is very important to ask her if she is feeling well. If not feeling well refer her to the medical practitioner. Additionally, if she is okay, then get her a drink or water. You can also ask her to visit the restroom and wash her face. That will help her to overcome any fatigue.
• Do not let the student sleep: When you realize that one of the students is sleeping frequently, and does not have any medical condition, you should consider getting out her desk any other time she sleeps. Therefore, she will not be having any place she can use to rest her head. Giving her a clipboard or a hard surface to use for writing, could be a remedy. You should only return her desk when she promises not to sleep again.
• The student’s desk should be next to you: At this point, she might find it very difficult to sleep. However, you will be very fast to notice if she does. When the student is seated in any other position and you realize she is sleeping, just move besides the student. Typically, your presence will serve as a wake-up sign. On the other hand, you can consider moving her desk next to the window. The fresh air and light might keep her awake and alert.
• Keep her active: Try and engage the student with activities during the time when she falls asleep. Actually, incorporating some physical activities in your classroom is very important for all students. You can have all your students stretching, have bathroom breaks, or some other busy errands. However, you should be able to tailor those activities according to the student’s sleeping pattern.
• Call the student unexpectedly: when she senses that you might call out her name when she is asleep, then she might fight to remain awake. The moment you realize that she is nodding off, consider asking her a question that will require to do a task.
Final Verdict
The main objective is to heighten the alertness of your students.