Memory Chain Template

Instructions: Draw or write a happy memory of a loved one on each strip. You can draw a picture of your memory or write a few words about it. We will connect these strips together to make a long chain of wonderful memories!

My Happy Memory 1

My Happy Memory 2

My Happy Memory 3

My Happy Memory 4

My Happy Memory 5

Grief Discussion Prompts

Use these questions to guide a discussion after watching the video and reading "The Goodbye Book."

After the Video:

1. What did Elmo and his friends do to remember their friend, Mr. Snuffleupagus's Granny?
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's important to remember people who are special to us, even when they are not here anymore?
   
   
   
   
3. What are some ways we can celebrate someone's life?
   
   
   
   

After "The Goodbye Book":

1. What feelings did the bird in the story have when his friend left?
   
   
   
   
2. How did the bird try to make himself feel better? What did he do?
   
   
   
   
3. The book shows that even when someone is gone, we can still have their memories. What are some of your favorite memories of someone you love?
   
   
   
   

General Questions:

1. What is a keepsake? Do you have any special keepsakes that remind you of someone you love?
   
   
   
   
2. What is a tradition? Are there any family traditions you have that help you remember someone special?
   
   
   
   
3. It's okay to feel sad sometimes when we miss someone. What can you do when you feel sad?
   
   
   
   

Memory Chain Activity

Objective: To create a visual representation of shared memories, fostering a sense of connection and remembrance.

Materials:

• Memory Chain Template Worksheet
• Paper strips (pre-cut or cut from the worksheet)
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• Glue sticks or tape

Instructions:

1. Think of a Happy Memory: Each student will think of a happy memory they have of a loved one who is no longer with them, or a happy memory of a positive experience with someone important in their life.
2. Draw or Write: On each strip of paper from the Memory Chain Template Worksheet, students will either draw a picture of their memory or write a few words describing it. Encourage them to use colors and details that remind them of that special person or moment.
3. Share (Optional): Students can share one of their memories with the group if they feel comfortable. This helps build a sense of community and shared experience.
4. Link the Memories: Once all students have created their memory strips, help them connect the strips into a long chain using glue or tape. Each student's strips will form a part of the larger class memory chain.
5. Display: Hang the Memory Chain in the classroom as a reminder of happy memories and connections.

Memory Matching Game: Feelings & Remembering

Objective: To help students identify different feelings associated with grief and positive coping strategies for remembering loved ones.

Materials:

• Printable Cards: Create 5-7 pairs of cards. For each pair, one card will have a feeling related to grief (e.g., "Sad", "Miss You", "Love", "Happy Memory", "Confused", "Thankful") and the matching card will have a coping strategy or a way to remember (e.g., "Talk to a grown-up", "Look at photos", "Draw a picture", "Share a story", "Ask questions", "Write a letter").
  • Example Card Pairs:
    • Card 1: "Sad" / Card 2: "Talk to a grown-up"
    • Card 1: "Miss You" / Card 2: "Look at photos"
    • Card 1: "Love" / Card 2: "Share a story"
    • Card 1: "Happy Memory" / Card 2: "Draw a picture"
    • Card 1: "Confused" / Card 2: "Ask questions"
    • Card 1: "Thankful" / Card 2: "Write a letter"
• Optional: Markers or crayons for students to color the cards if printed in black and white.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cards: Print and cut out the card pairs. Laminate them if you wish for durability. Shuffle the cards thoroughly.
2. Lay Out the Cards: Place all the cards face down in a grid (e.g., 4x3 or 4x4) on a table or on the floor.
3. How to Play:
   • Students take turns flipping over two cards.
   • If the two cards match a feeling with a related coping strategy/remembrance method (e.g., "Sad" and "Talk to a grown-up"), the student keeps the pair. They should explain why they think the cards are a match.
   • If the cards do not match, the student flips them back over in their original spots.
   • The game continues until all pairs have been found.
4. Discussion During Play: Encourage students to discuss the feelings and strategies as they make matches. Prompt them with questions like: "Why is talking to a grown-up helpful when you feel sad?" or "What kind of picture could you draw for a happy memory?"
5. Winning: The student with the most matching pairs at the end of the game wins. However, emphasize that the real win is learning about our feelings and ways to cope and remember.

My Memory Jar Project Guide

Objective: To create a personal keepsake that holds happy memories of a loved one, providing a tangible way to remember and cherish them.

Materials:

• A clean, empty jar with a lid (e.g., jam jar, Mason jar)
• Decorative materials: construction paper, fabric scraps, ribbons, glitter, stickers, paint, glue, markers, etc.
• Small slips of paper or colorful index cards
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Instructions:

1. Decorate Your Jar: The first step is to make your memory jar special! Use the decorative materials to personalize your jar. You can:

   • Paint the outside of the jar.
   • Glue fabric or paper around it.
   • Add glitter, stickers, or ribbons.
   • Write the name of your loved one or "My Memory Jar" on it.
   • Make it look beautiful and unique to you!

2. Gather Memories: Now it's time to fill your jar with happy memories! Think about the loved one you want to remember. What are some fun or special things you did together? What did they say or do that made you smile?

3. Write or Draw Memories: On each small slip of paper or index card, write down one happy memory or draw a picture of it. You can write simple words or draw a quick sketch. For example:

   • "Playing at the park with Grandma"
   • "My mom's funny joke"
   • A drawing of you and your loved one laughing.

4. Fill Your Jar: Once you have a collection of memories, fold or roll each slip of paper and place it inside your decorated memory jar. You can keep adding memories whenever you think of a new one!

5. Cherish Your Memories: Keep your memory jar in a special place. Whenever you miss your loved one or want to feel connected to them, you can take out a memory slip and remember the happy times. You can also share these memories with family and friends.

Optional: Create a small label for your jar with the name of the person you are remembering and the words "My Memory Jar."

Circle of Remembrance Cool Down

Objective: To allow students to quietly reflect and share a positive memory or feeling about a loved one, reinforcing a sense of connection and peace.

Instructions:

1. Gather in a Circle: Have all students sit comfortably in a circle.
2. Quiet Reflection: Ask students to close their eyes for a moment or look down at their hands. Invite them to think about one happy memory they have of a loved one, or one special thing they appreciate about someone in their life, whether they are still with them or not. (1 minute)
3. Pass the Talking Stone (or soft object): Explain that when they receive the "talking stone" (or any soft object like a small pillow or stuffed animal), they can share their memory or feeling if they wish. If they don't want to share, they can simply pass the object to the next person. Emphasize that there is no pressure to speak. (3 minutes)
4. Listen Respectfully: Remind students to listen quietly and respectfully when others are sharing. This is a time for calm and reflection.
5. Closing: After everyone has had a chance to hold the object, thank them for sharing and for remembering their loved ones. Reiterate that keeping memories in our hearts helps us feel connected.