Mini Me Animal
Suggested Age Group(s): Young, Middle Teen
Purpose: To normalize feelings of sadness, regret, anger, and physical discomfort in grief. To identify a safe place for that animal to feel better.
Task/need: Group building, moving toward the pain of the loss
Activity Setup Ideas: Ask the children to think of an animal that represents how they are feeling today. Then have them create it with model magic. Ask them what places make them feel safe when they have those hard feelings.
Materials: Model Magic, small box, markers, yarn, beads, feathers (optional)
Description: Ask the group to create an animal that represents them today. Then be curious about their creation. You may ask them the following questions:
- What kind of animal did you choose?
- What does this animal mean to you?
- What is important to you about this animal?
- What does it tell about you?
- If your animal could talk, what would it say?
- What do you wish you could change about your animal?
- What does your animal NOT show about you today?
Afterwards, ask the group to create a safe and strong place for your animal. Process as they create their safe place:
- What makes this place safe for your animal?
- What does your animal need in this place to feel better?
- What is missing from their safe place?
- What would you like to change about their safe and strong place?
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Have the children share their animals and safe places with the group. Inquire what the animal does when it feels angry, sad, happy, etc. What does the animal tell you about them? Have the kids explain their animal’s safe places.
Mini Me Animal example 1 and Mini Me Animal example 2.
Activity from Jessica's House: Grief Support for Children, Teens and Families
