The Night Shift: Curriculum Unit for K-5th Grader

The Night Shift: Curriculum Unit for K-5th Grader

The Night Shift is a creative, calming, and neurodivergent-friendly elementary curriculum unit designed to explore nighttime through imagination, reflection, movement, and cross-curricular learning. Instead of fast-paced worksheets or rigid expectations, this unit invites learners to slow down, wonder, and create- making it especially supportive for neurodivergent students, sensitive learners, and children who learn best through choice and expression. This multi-week unit includes- *Daily lesson plans with clear objectives and gentle pacing *Cross-curricular activities (Language Arts, Math, Art, Movement, Social Thinking, and Creative Exploration) *Choice-based projects and low-pressure assessments *Visual planning supports and executive function activities *A final creative project: “My Night Shift Adventure” *Teacher rubrics and presentation-free completion checklists *Neurodivergent supports built directly into each activity *A character guide featuring Nora, the Night Guide, who gently guides learners through the unit Designed For- *Grades K–5 (with built-in grade-level adaptations) *Neurodivergent learners (autism-friendly, ADHD-friendly, anxiety-aware) *Homeschool families *Microschools and alternative learning programs *Educators seeking calm, creative, and meaningful curriculum Neurodivergent-Affirming Features- *No required presentations *Multiple ways to show understanding *Flexible timelines and movement breaks *Open-ended creativity with no “right answer” *Sensory-friendly and low-pressure activities Themes Explored- *Nighttime settings and storytelling *Reflection and emotional awareness *Creativity and imagination *Observation, patterns, and gentle problem-solving *Personal expression and confidence Format- *Digital download (PDF) *Easy to use for print or digital learning *Workbook-style pages and teacher guidance included Why Families & Educators Love This Unit- The Night Shift was created for learners who thrive when they feel safe, respected, and free to learn in their own way. It’s not about rushing or performing — it’s about curiosity, creativity, and growth.