This past Friday we shared Rickey Bevington’s story. She is one of many family members whose lives were forever altered by the Orly plane crash 50 years ago today. In addition to their children and grandchildren, the legacy of those Atlantans who died lives on in the incredible arts legacy that now thrives in the City. The arts also play an important role in the grieving process. Today we are sharing three different art activities that can help a child who is experiencing grief.
Have the child paint or draw a picture of their loved one who died on the outside of the bag. For the inside on separate pages, have them draw pictures of or write about favorite memories with that loved one. If they have keepsakes or pictures, they could also be placed inside the bag.
At the Children’s Room in Massachusetts, teens perform original skits and uplifting performances after someone has died. This idea can be replicated by having the child write a short story about their loved one and read it aloud.
Sometimes finding words can be hard. Share other books of poetry and read them with the child. Have them begin writing words that express how they feel. From there they will grow into thoughts and phrases.
Would you like to share your story? Please get in touch with Kate's Club! KC has free grief support with grief resources, grief counseling resources, grief training, and volunteer work in Atlanta and surrounding places in Georgia. Kate's Club is a growing nonprofit in Atlanta with grief specialists for kids and young adults going through bereavement. Our goal is to make a world where it is okay to grieve.