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Butterflies of Hope

Suggested Age Group(s): Preschool, Young

Purpose: To give group members a symbol of hope and keepsake of the Caring Place

Task/need: Acknowledge thre reality of death, move toward the pain of the loss, relate the experience of death to a context of meaning

Activity Setup Ideas: -Talk to the group members about butterflies being the international symbol of hope. Show them how the butterfly is a part of the Caring Place logo and our hope that the death of their loved one will not always hurt so much.

Materials:

  • Paper coffee filters
  • Bingo dabbers or markers
  • Clothespins
  • Glue
  • Glitter
  • Construction Paper

Description: Have the group members color the coffee filters to make the butterly's wings. To color the filters, either dab them with the multi colored bingo dabbers or draw on designs with markers -- or both. Sprinkle the filter lightly with water to make the ink blend together. For a shimmery effect, add glitter and glue designs.

Once the filter is dry, pinch it in the middle like a bow tie. Slide or clip a clothespin onto it and fan out each side of the filter to resemble a butterfly's wings.

Cut two strips of construction paper, approximately the size of matchsticks, and glue them onto the clothespin for a pair of antennae.

Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Be curious about the colors the group members used on their butterflies. Discuss the butterfly in the Highmark Caring Place logo. What is important to them about coming to the Caring Place? This is an activity that could be used to discuss Children's Grief Awareness Day as well.