Dispelling the Shadow : Activities Exploring Life and Death with Young People

Dispelling the Shadow provides a context for navigating through the challenges and emotions that children may experience when discussing the cycle of life. Using a curriculum framework adaptable to many different settings and purposes, this book contains discussion prompts, activities and resources grounded in science, folklore, belief systems and creative expression to allow young people at varying age levels to begin to confront death and grief with compassion and curiosity. Each section covers a different age level and contains overarching themes and activities designed to inspire thoughtful conversation between adult and child. Each chapter includes downloadable expanded activities and additional age-appropriate readings to continue the conversation as needed. With its comprehensive view of universal themes and immediately implementable practical advice, this book is an essential tool for parents, social workers, educators, librarians and child advocates to give young people perspective and hope for the future.