A big yawn and three Zzz – our printable sleepy face mask shows what it feels like when your eyes get heavy. Color it, cut it out, and add elastic. This free feelings mask template helps little kids recognize and name tiredness, making it ideal for circle time, rest time, and SEL lessons.
Why This Feelings Mask Is So Useful
The yawning mouth and three Zzz show tiredness so clearly that even two-year-olds recognize it. Being sleepy isn't an emotion like happiness or anger, but it's an important body feeling kids should be able to name. The mask is part of our feelings set and fits perfectly with nap time. It helps kids learn to listen to their bodies and ask for a break.
A contagious, sleepy yawn.
Three Zzz floating above the head.
Part of our Feelings Set for Preschool.
A perfect match for nap time.
✂️ Craft Instructions: Turn the Template into a Mask
🧰 What You Need
- Printer + heavier paper or cardstock (65–110 lb)
- Colored pencils, markers or watercolors
- Scissors (craft knife for the eye holes – adults only)
- Elastic cord (about 12–14 inches)
- Hole punch for the elastic holes
Print the template at actual size (100 %, not “fit to page”) on thick paper.
Color the mask any way you like – the big shapes are perfect for little hands.
Cut along the thick outer line.
An adult cuts out the eye holes with a craft knife or pointed scissors.
Punch holes at the two small circles, thread the elastic through and knot it – done!
⚠️ Safety: eye holes, craft knives and hot glue are grown-up jobs. Don’t run or play rough while wearing a mask that limits your view – and never put elastic around the neck.
📦 Included in These Craft Sets
This mask also comes as part of a bundle – one free PDF with a cover page, craft instructions and every mask in the set:
Activities About Feeling Sleepy
Start a yawn circle – one child yawns, and it spreads around the whole group. Play Sleepyhead, where everyone lies down and pretends to sleep until the alarm rings. Read a calm story aloud while kids relax with their eyes closed. Then switch between the happy and sleepy masks to show how energy changes during the day.
Fun Facts About Sleep
Feeling sleepy is an important signal from our bodies that we need a break or some rest. Toddlers and preschoolers need about 10 to 14 hours of sleep a day, including naps, depending on their age. While we sleep, our bodies recharge and our brains sort through everything we did that day. Yawning is contagious – when we see someone yawn, we often yawn too. Even dogs can catch a yawn from people.
Color Ideas for the Sleepy Face Mask
Calm, nighttime, or cozy:
Dark blue with white Zzz.
Purple with gold stars.
Gray with fluffy cotton clouds.
Pale yellow with a little moon.
Great Times for the Sleepy Face Mask
This sleepy face mask fits lots of moments:
A gentle transition to rest.
A way to talk about how our bodies feel.
Use it with all the masks in the feelings set.
Perfect for a cozy evening.
Sleep Facts at a Glance
Yawn-worthy facts to share:
How much sleep little kids need.
Sleep helps process the day.
Yawns spread to others.
They can catch our yawns.
More Masks for the Feelings Set
Happy, sad, and surprised masks are ready too – see all our feelings masks.
Your Benefits at PureSketchy:
- A Real Craft Template: Face-size mask with eye holes and marks for elastic, a stick or glue tabs.
- Free to Print: Every mask and craft set as a PDF or image, no sign-up required.
- Print-Ready A4: Clean vector lines that print crisp on any home printer.
- Kid-Friendly Designs: Cheerful characters, nothing too scary, no brand logos – perfect for home, preschool and school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What age is this mask suitable for?
The sleepy face mask is made for ages 2 to 4. Kids color, and an adult cuts out the mask and eye holes.
Will the mask fit a child’s face?
Yes – printed at actual size (100 %) on A4 or US Letter, the mask is roughly the size of a child’s face. For adults, scale it up to 110–115 % or print on A3/Tabloid.
What paper works best?
We recommend 160–200 gsm cardstock (65 lb) so the mask stays sturdy.
Is the download free?
Yes, all masks and coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.
Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Gefühle-Maske Müde.