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COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY TRAINING IN PURLEY, CROYDON, SURREY

Walk and Talk Activity for Grief and Loss in School

 

The "Walk and Talk" activity is a simple yet effective way to engage grieving children in a supportive and active conversation about their feelings while taking a leisurely walk. This activity provides a change of scenery, allowing children to open more comfortably. Here are two short "walk and talk" activities:

Activity 1: Memory Lane

Objective: Encourage children to share positive memories of their loved ones.

Instructions:

  1. Choose a quiet and safe outdoor area for the walk.
  2. Explain to the child that you will be taking a walk together to talk about their loved one and share special memories.
  3. Start the walk and ask the child to share a favourite memory or something they love about their loved one.
  4. As you continue walking, take turns sharing memories. Encourage the child to share as many memories as they feel comfortable with.
  5. Listen actively and validate their feelings. You can also share your own memories, if appropriate.
  6. After the walk, find a comfortable spot to sit down and reflect on the memories shared. Encourage the child to express any emotions that came up during the walk.

Activity 2: Nature's Symbols

Objective: Help children express their grief and emotions through nature-inspired art.

Instructions:

  1. Take the child on a nature walk in the school garden (you must have signed consent).
  2. As you walk, encourage the child to look for natural objects that remind them of their loved one or their feelings. These can include leaves, stones, flowers, or branches.
  3. Collect these objects and bring them back to a designated area.
  4. Provide art supplies like coloured pencils, markers, or crayons.
  5. Ask the child to create a small piece of art using natural objects as inspiration. They can draw, colour, or arrange the objects to express their emotions.
  6. While creating their art, engage in a conversation about how the natural objects relate to their feelings.
  7. Once the art is complete, encourage the child to share what they've created and explain the symbolism behind it.

These "Walk and Talk" activities provide children with a gentle and supportive way to process their grief and loss while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature and physical activity.