Lesson

Continuing from the previous lesson, devise a ritual for the disposal of the dead leaves. The ritual could have three sections.

1. Memorial

Simple prayers or similar could be offered. A short eulogy could be made. Drawings from the lives of the leaves could be shown.

2. Processional

The class could process to the place within the school grounds where the leaves are to be laid to rest.

3. Disposal

Leaves could be scattered on the field, gently laid at the foot of a tree or rubbed to dust between the hands.

After the ceremony, allow the children to offer their responses. How did the 'funeral' make them feel?

Following discussion, share with the children the story of Jesus and the widow's son. How must the mourners at that particular funeral have felt when the corpse came back to life?

Conclusion

Conclude by telling the children that for Christians, the story shows Jesus has power over death. So, although Christians are sad when one of their community dies, they are comforted by the belief that the person who has died has gone to live forever with Jesus.

Notes

The Syllabus mentions funerals several times in the programme of study for Key Stage 1. I believe the use of dead leaves is an effective strategy for maintaining a focus for what many children may find to be a distressing subject.