World (Ball) of Chain Links
Suggested Group(s): Middle/Teen
Purpose: To encourage the exploration of how we are alike in our experiences and in our grief.
Task/need: Developing a new self-identity, relating the loss to a context of meaning
Activity Setup Ideas:
- Discuss ways the group is alike and different. Start listing on the table ways they are alike. "Alike" can mean any shared similarity. Move to writing these ways on links and begin to build the chain link ball. Be prepared for range of emotion this activity may elicit.
Materials:
- Paper
- Glue
- Stapler
- Markers
- Art Supplies
Description: Have ready a large white chain link on which you have written "SOMEONE IN OUR FAMILY DIED." Also have ready and set aside, a long chain link for each child, each child's link a different color (you choose or they choose). Each child writes who died on its strip, i.e. mother, father, sister, brother, etc. If a child has more then one death, provide a strip for each family member. Attach the family death strips to the large white link. This is the starting point for the remainder of the ball chain.
Building the chain link ball consists of the children connecting their similarities. A couple of examples:
- Child 'A' lost her mother in an accident and Child 'B' lost his brother in an accident. There would be an "accident link" connecting the "mother link" of Child 'A' to the "brother link" of Child 'B.'
- Child 'B' had nightmares and so did Child 'C' there would be a "nightmares link" from” Child 'Bs' "brother link" to Child 'Cs' family member link.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- As a group, sit back and observe the 'ball.' Point out the many links that bring people together. Discuss some of the types of similarities or links present.
- Hang the ball from the ceiling to be present through the remainder of the session.
