Grave Markers
Suggested Group(s): Young/Middle/Teen
Purpose: To memorialize the family member with a grave marker of their choice
Task/need: Acknowledging the reality of the loss; group structure (sharing rituals)
Activity Setup Ideas:
- Ask the group if they have ever been to a cemetery.
- Begin discussion about the different types of markers that people use to identify the burial sites of their family members and how these markers are used to memorialize the person who died.
- Explain that often times, family members and friends find ways to memorialize people who have died as a way of staying connected to those people and to celebrate the lives of those who have died.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Glue
Description: Ask the group members to draw & decorate grave markers to memorialize the people who died. Suggest that they use words, pictures, etc. to decorate their grave markers.
Some targeting questions may help get the group started:
- What shapes can be used for grave markers?
- How would we know that the marker was for your family member?
- What would you like people to know about the person who died?
- Are there things about the person best represented by words? Pictures?
- What color seems most appropriate? (Any answer is correct)
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Use the activity to lead to a conversation about memorializing the person who died or about funerals and other rituals.
Note: Grave markers are important to most families and can cause great debate about what and how much is on the marker. This activity may provide a time for the child to make what he would want on the marker and also talk about the tension of decision making around the marker.
