Objective

By the end of this lesson, Mila will have a better understanding of death, dying, and funerals in a respectful and age-appropriate way. She will learn that these topics are a natural part of life and will be able to express her feelings and thoughts about them through creative activities.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or crayons
• Soft toys or dolls for role-playing
• A quiet space for discussion and activities
• A notebook for journaling feelings (optional)

Before the lesson, it’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for Mila to express her thoughts and feelings. Be prepared to answer questions gently and honestly.

Activities

• Feelings Drawing:

  Mila will draw a picture representing her feelings about death. This could be something that makes her feel sad, happy, or confused. After drawing, she can share her artwork and explain what it means to her.

• Story Time:

  Read a simple story about a natural cycle of life, like the changing of seasons or the life of a butterfly. Discuss how everything has a beginning and an end, and how that is okay.

• Role-Playing Funerals:

  Using soft toys or dolls, Mila can create a pretend funeral. This allows her to explore the concept in a playful way, helping her understand the rituals associated with saying goodbye.

• Memory Jar:

  Mila can create a memory jar where she writes down happy memories of people or pets she has lost. This helps her focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

Talking Points

• "Death is a part of life. Just like flowers bloom and then fade away, everything has its time."
• "It's okay to feel sad when someone or something we love goes away. Talking about it can help us feel better."
• "Funerals are special ceremonies that help us say goodbye and remember the good times we had with those we love."
• "We can keep memories alive by talking about our loved ones and writing down our favorite stories about them."
• "Sometimes, when people die, they go to a special place. It’s a way to think about them being happy and free."
• "Everyone experiences loss differently, and it’s important to share our feelings with someone we trust."
• "Remembering is a way to keep our loved ones close to our hearts, even when they are not with us anymore."