CHIRPINGS
FROM ROBIN
In April, I had the pleasure of teaching a class about death
to our 1st and 2nd graders. It was the second class of a three part unit on death and a
good example of how BuxMont RE is a place where children can explore complicated
life issues.
The 1-2 parents knew in advance that we would be doing a
unit on death in this class. Developmentally,
children from ages 6-8 intellectually understand that death is permanent and
irreversible, but still believe that they are immortal. The goal for this class
was to gently introduce the children to death and dying in a nurturing
atmosphere where they could ask questions and be reassured.
We started with a story called “Badger’s Parting
Gifts”. In the story, Badger's friends are saddened by his death, but they
come to realize that everyone lives on through their gifts of kindness to others
and the happy memories that remain. We
discussed the book, the characters feelings and the class’ feelings.
We also talked about any memorial services or funerals that the children
had attended. The children were
struck by the adults crying at funerals. It
was a little scary for them. We talked about how people feel sad for awhile when
someone they love dies, but that like Badger’s friends, the sadness lessens
over time.
The class then brainstormed a list of questions that they
had about death. You will be
surprised how universal these questions are even at age 6. Some of the questions
were: What do you see when you die? Does it hurt? Can you see other people that
died? Can you see the people that are alive? Can you move? Where do you go? Is
there actually a heaven?
Our last activity was to have a memorial service for a
stuffed bear who was our friend for the lesson.
We talked about what to include in a celebration of life. We lit the
chalice, sang “Go Now in Peace” and each of us said something nice about our
bear. Then we all had a snack.
The
children were wonderful. They were engaged, thoughtful and curious as our children are
(most of the time). What will our
children remember from this class in years to come? They may not remember the specific lesson, but they
will remember the feelings of relationship and connection, trust and
affirmation, excitement and caring about the subject matter and each other. This
is the essence of Unitarian Universalist religious education.
Warmly,
Robin Pugh
Director of Religious
Education
