Scream Box
Suggested Age Group(s): Preschool, Young, Middle
Purpose: To allow for the expression of anger.
Task/need: Moving toward the pain of the loss
Activity Setup Ideas: Talk to children about what makes them angry. It can be things at home, at school, with friends. Introduce the idea that sometimes children are angry after a death. They are angry because their loved one died, they are angry that their lives have changed, or many other reasons. Ask the children to share if there is something that made them angry about the death (this discussion will work best with young or middle rooms). Further the discussion and ask if their anger has ever gotten them into trouble. Ask them to share examples.
Materials:
- Cereal boxes
- Cardboard tubes (toilet roll size)
- Colorful duct tape
- Construction paper and markers to decorate if children would like
- Scissors
- Newspaper
Description: Each child will need one cereal box, one cardboard tube, and some newspaper. Have each child crumble newspaper and stuff in the cereal box until full. Close box and secure with duct tape. On the skinny side of the box, have the child (or assist the child) in cutting a circle the same size as the cardboard tube. Insert tube (you can secure with duct tape if necessary). Use construction paper, markers, etc. to decorate with things that make them angry.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas: Have the children try out their anger boxes. Tell them to scream or yell as loud as they can in the box. Suggest they use their scream box at home when they are angry. The screams will be muffled and they can scream and yell into their box instead of doing something that might get them into trouble.
