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A Pet's Legacy

Carla Eliezer

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Exploring Legacies

Students will explore the enduring impact of pets and learn ways to celebrate and remember their beloved animal companions, building resilience and closure through creative expression.

This lesson helps 3rd graders process grief, honor memories, and understand legacy, turning loss into a celebration of love and connection.

Audience

3rd Grade Group

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive storytelling, creative projects, and group discussion.

Materials

Exploring Legacies, Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck), and Legacy Keepsake Creation (Project)

Prep

Lesson Prep

10 minutes

  • Review Exploring Legacies to refresh context and ideas
  • Prepare the Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck) for visual support
  • Gather all materials needed for the Legacy Keepsake Creation (Project)
  • Confirm classroom seating arrangement for group discussions

Step 1

Introduction and Story Sharing

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on memories of pets and why they are important
  • Encourage students to share favorite pet stories or memories in a supportive environment
  • Use guiding questions to help students articulate their feelings

Step 2

Slide-Deck Presentation

10 minutes

  • Present the Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck) to visualize pet legacies and shared experiences
  • Highlight key themes such as love, loss, and remembrance

Step 3

Group Discussion & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a group discussion on how pets continue to influence our lives
  • Ask reflective questions such as 'What makes a pet unforgettable?'

Step 4

Legacy Keepsake Creation Project

15 minutes

  • Guide students through creating a personal legacy keepsake (drawing, collage, or written story) based on their pet memories
  • Walk around to provide support and encourage sharing of ideas
  • Conclude with students optionally sharing their creations with the group
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Slide Deck

Celebrating Impact

How pets touch our hearts and lives. Let's explore their lasting influence.

Introduce the theme of pet legacy with warm visuals; explain that each slide reflects on the enduring impact pets have.

Cherished Memories

Recall your favorite pet moments. What made them special?

Show images of joyful pet moments, memories captured in photos, and quotes about love and loss to set an emotional tone.

A Quote to Remember

"The love for a pet is forever; their memory fuels our resilience."

Share a poignant quote about loss and remembrance to validate the mixed feelings of grief and love.

Turning Loss into Legacy

Let’s celebrate our pets by sharing stories and creative memories.

Discuss how letting go can inspire celebration of our pet’s legacy and encourage creative expression through keepsakes.

Your Legacy Keepsake

Begin designing your personal keepsake that honors your pet.

Wrap up the slide deck by encouraging students to think about how they can create their own legacy projects.

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Project Guide

A Pet's Legacy

Students will learn how pets leave a lasting impact on our lives and ways to celebrate that legacy, strengthening their resilience and appreciation for the joy pets bring. This project is especially important for finding closure after the loss of an animal companion.

Materials

  • Exploring Legacies (Lesson Plan)
  • Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck) (Slide-Deck)
  • Legacy Keepsake Creation (Project) (Project)

Overview

This guide is designed for a 3rd Grade Group lesson focused on how pets shape our lives, provide comfort, and leave a lasting legacy. The project will help students navigate grief by honoring the memory of their pets through creative expression and shared memories. The session is structured to last for 45 minutes and is ideal for Tier 2 Group settings.

Project Sections

1. Introduction and Story Sharing





  • Initiate a discussion on why pets are cherished.
  • Ask students to share personal stories or favorite memories of their pets.
  • Use open-ended questions like: "What makes your pet unforgettable?" to create a supportive atmosphere.

2. Slide-Deck Presentation





  • Use the Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck) to illustrate the lasting influence pets have.
  • Show vibrant images and inspirational quotes that resonate with the theme of remembrance and legacy.
  • Guide students through each slide to emphasize themes of love, loss, and the beauty of memory.

3. Group Discussion & Reflection





  • Facilitate a conversation on what lessons pets teach us about love and resilience.
  • Encourage students to reflect on the shared experiences, and validate the mixed feelings of love and grief.

4. Legacy Keepsake Creation Project





  • Introduce the Legacy Keepsake Creation (Project) which allows students to create a tangible memory of their pet.
  • Provide options such as drawing, collage, or writing a short story. This gives flexibility and accommodates diverse creative preferences.
  • Circulate in the classroom, provide support and prompt sharing of ideas if students feel comfortable.
  • Conclude by inviting students to share their keepsakes with the group as a celebration of their pet's legacy (sharing is optional).

Preparing the Lesson

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Review the Exploring Legacies lesson plan for context.
    • Set up and test the Celebrating Impact (Slide-Deck) on the classroom projector or interactive whiteboard.
    • Gather art supplies and any other necessary materials for the Legacy Keepsake creation.
    • Arrange seating to facilitate both discussion and group work.

Final Thoughts

This project aims to transform grief into a meaningful celebration of the role pets play in our lives. By actively engaging in storytelling and creative expression, students will build resilience and discover an empowering way to remember and honor their beloved animal companions.

Happy Teaching!










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