Image of a mother asking child to put on pajamas for bedtime and child not wanting to
Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
Debate,

Should Kids Have Later Bedtimes in the Summer?

Oliver wants to stay up later in the summer. His mom does not agree! What do you think?

From the May/June 2023 Issue
Lexiles: 390L
Guided Reading Level: L
DRA Level: 20-24
Featured Skill: Write Opinion Pieces, Participate in Conversations,
Topic: Social Studies, English Language Arts,
Common Core Standards
  • W.2. Write opinion pieces RI.2.8 Describe how reasons support the points the author makes in a text RI.2.10 Read grade-2-appropriate texts SL.2 Participate in conversations about grade-2 texts
TEKS Standards
  • Theatre
    (1) Foundations: inquiry and understanding. The student develops concepts about self, human relationships, and the environment using elements of drama and conventions of theatre. The student is expected to: (D) role play, imitate, and recreate dialogue.

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Dear Mom,

Oliver

I think I should get to go to bed later in the summer. 

First of all, the sun sets later in the summer. It’s hard to go to bed when it is light out. I should just go to bed when it’s dark. 

Next, summer is fun time. After dinner, I want to go outside and play with my friends. 

Finally, I looked up some facts. Kids need 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night. I can still get that! I just need to wake up later in the morning. 

Love, 

Oliver

Dear Oliver,

Mom

I don’t think you should go to bed later in the summer. 

First of all, kids who go to bed later don’t sleep as well. They take longer to fall asleep. They wake up more during the night. 

Next, kids who don’t get enough sleep can get moody. It is harder for them to pay attention. I know you don’t want to feel like that!

Finally, you won’t be able to sleep late in the summer. You have camp! 

Love, 

Mom

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About the Story

Casel Social-emotional Learning Focus

Relationship skills: Communicating effectively

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

1. PREPARING TO READ

Have students preview the text features. Ask:

  • What is the topic of the debate? (Prompt students to use the debate title and the picture as clues.)
  • What are the two opinions people might have about this topic?

2. READING THE DEBATE

  • Read the debate as a class or in small groups.
  • You can also have students read the debate as partners, with each student reading one side aloud.

3. DISCUSSING

As a class or in small groups, have students discuss:

  • Which opinion do you think makes the most sense?
  • What is your opinion? What information or argument helped you form your opinion?

4. WRITING

  • Pass out our opinion-writing printable. Ask students to write their opinion in the top section.
  • Then students can underline three points in the debate that back up their opinion.
  • Last, they can complete our printable to show what their opinion is.

Text-to-Speech