Activity: Memory Puzzle
Exploring Grief
Objective: The Memory Puzzle activity can be done individually, in a group, or with a family. While creating the puzzle, participants will identify some of their person’s favorites. This is a great way to capture some of the details about the person they are remembering while creating a keepsake that can be framed or enjoyed as a nostalgic pastime.
Supplies:
- Pens/markers/crayons/colored pencils, etc.
- Cardboard DIY puzzle (can be found on Amazon or craft store)
- Memory Puzzle handout (second page)
Instructions:
- Using the handout on the second page, participants will choose memory prompts that they would like to write or draw on their puzzle pieces.
- Puzzle pieces can be decorated with a creative pattern or even a scene from a memory moment of their choice.
- If participants have a difficult time answering any of the prompts, they can choose to pass, think about who they might be able to ask, and/or they could consider choosing to list the answer they think might have been true for the person they are remembering.
- Once complete, participants can take turns sharing memories.
- Facilitators can call attention to the uniqueness of each puzzle and the correlation to the uniqueness of grief.
Additional Ideas:
Invite participants to write the prompt of each favorite on the front of each piece, with the answer on the back. This will make the puzzle even more fun – like a game of memory!
Thank you, Kelly Petersohn, from Camp Erin Online for developing & sharing this activity!
