Asleep Awake
Here's What To Do
1
Tell your child that you’re going to play a game and pretend to be awake and asleep.
2
With your child, quickly brainstorm and act out ways they can show they are awake (e.g. dancing and talking). Then, do it again to show “asleep” (e.g. closing eyes, sleeping quietly).
3
Explain that when you call out “awake” they’ll act like they’re awake. When you call out “asleep” they’ll act like they’re asleep.
4
Take turns leading the game with your child.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Invite your child to touch their belly and take a few deep breaths with you.
E
Engage:
- “We’re going to play ‘Asleep/Awake.’ When I say “asleep” you’ll act like you’re asleep. When I say “awake” you’ll act like you’re awake.”
- “What can we do to show we’re awake? What things do we do? How do we sound?”
E
Encourage:
- Play the game with your child and pretend to be asleep or awake with them.
- Stay in each role longer and give warnings before you change to the other.
R
Reflect:
- What else could we pretend to do?
Not quite ready?
With your child, pretend to be two roles they already enjoy acting out.
Ready for more?
Act out more details and play with different contexts like “swimming at the beach/ flying in the sky.”
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to flexibly change roles and apply different rules in different contexts.