Badger's Parting Gifts

Suggested Group(s): Preschool/Young

Purpose: To explore the intangible things that were given to and remain with a child after the death of a family member. To help accept the change in the relationship with their family member from one of physical presence to one of memories.

Task/need: Converting the relationship…to one of memory, relate the loss to a context of meaning

Activity Setup Ideas:

• Let the children know that you will be reading a book called Badger's Parting Gifts. Invite them to talk about a gift that they have given or one that they received from the person who died.

Materials:

• The Book Badger's Parting Gifts

Description: Badger's Parting Gifts is a wonderful book to get the children to think and discuss memories and intangible gifts of the person who died. After reading the book, allow the children to share memories and how these memories can change over time. This book is also very helpful to be used as a group is coming to a close and about the intangible gift we give each other.

Activity Wrap Up Ideas:

• Talk a bit about the intangible things that the person who died gave them that makes them who they are.
• Thank the children for sharing their 'gifts' with the group.

Suggestions: Badger's Parting Gifts can be a great way to introduce the "Gifts from the Person Who Died" activity.