1. Expressive Arts and Literature with Grieving Children Dr. Geraldine Haggard Journey of Hope Plano, Texas
2. Needs of Grieving Children Search for meaning Relate to the context of the death
3. Needs of Grieving Children, cont. Presence of support Better understanding of the grief process Safe place in which to express emotions Help in coping with loneliness Help in improving self-esteem
4. Approaches Useful in Grief Support Use of symbols and analogies Writing Art Commemoration with the death experience Guided imagery Healing rituals
5. Why Use Books/Stories? Identification with characters Springboards for expressive activities Prompt of conversation and problem solving
7. Wolfelt’s Grief Gardening Model Child begins journey Child encounters the Six Reconciliation Needs Trip is rocky, twisting, turning Child must visit family garden Seedling begins to grow, gets stronger Plant needs food
9. Expressive Arts Drawing Painting Clay Photography Poetry Music Writing Reading Storytelling Conversation
10. Six Needs Acknowledge the reality of the death. Book: Johnson Marvin, Tell Me Papa, Centering
11. Six Needs 2. Move toward the pain of the loss. Books: Alexander, Sara, NADIA THE WILLFUL (1991), Pantheon Press. Haggard, Geraldine, BEN’S ISLAND DREAM (2008), Dorrance.
12. Six Needs 3. Convert the relationship from one of presence to one of memory. Books: McLaughlin, Kristin, THE MEMORY BOX, Centering. Martin, Bill Jr., KNOTS ON A COUNTING ROPE, Scholastic.
13. Six Needs 4. Develop a new self identity based on life without the person who died. Book: Varley, Susan, BADGER’S DEPARTING GIFTS, Sheperd Books. Cannon, Janell, STELLA LUNA, Hacourt Children’s Books.
14. Six Needs 5. Search for meaning and resolve a sense of meaning in life after the death. Books: Weir, A.B., AM I STILL A BIG SISTER, Centering. Wrenn, Elizabeth, THE CHRISTMAS CACTUS, Centering.
15. Six Needs 6. Need for continued support. Book: Haggard, Geraldine, REMEMBERING GRANDPA, Dorrance.
16. Further Reading Wolfelt A.D., “Healing the Bereaved Child- Grief Gardening,” Companion Press, Fort Collins, CO. 1996. Hill, Mary Ann, “Healing Grief through Art: Art Therapy, www.drawntogether.com Prevention of long term problems
