"It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more." Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
In these sessions we seek to understand death as a universal human experience which teaches us to value life. We begin a conversation about a taboo topic.
Death Unit for Lodestone; Magnetize your Middle School
What is a Lodestone?
Lodestones are rocks that are made up of magnetite, an iron oxide ore. They are naturally magnetic. In ancient times, compasses were made using small pieces of lodestones. Some believe that lodestones have magical uses for attracting friends and wishes. Lodestone, the UU program for Middle Schoolers, will magnetize your group and make it so fun and deep that the middle schoolers will want to attend no matter what.
Family Conversations: These are tough topics, often taboo! Support the dialogue with Family Conversations. Three Family Conversations of 1.5 hours are intended for a Sunday afternoon or evening. The entire family is invited, including Middle Schoolers.
•Death Unit – Orientation, Death Café, Before I Die Wall Project Support.
Overview
Introduction to the Lodestone Death Unit
The Sessions
The Family Conversations
Scheduling
Books referenced in the Death Unit
To Do in Advance
Session #DA Family Conversation Orientation to Death Sessions
Session #D1 Death – The Taboo
Session #D2 What Happens after death
Session #DB Family Conversation – Death Cafe
Session #D3 Death Clarifies Life
Session #D4 Choosing the Before I Die Wall
Session #DC Family Conversation Supporting the Wall Project
Session #D5 Offering the Before I Die Wall Project
Activities in the Death Unit Sessions
Session D1 – Death, the Taboo
1.Fantasy Name Generator Game
2.Skeleton online game
3.Bone Bucket Toss
4.Fake Bones
5.Spiritual Goals Poster making
6.Breathing Meditation
7.Kisa-Gotami Skit aka The Mustard Seed
8.Death Readings
Session D2 – After We Die
1.Mystery Person Game
2.Coloring Mandala
3.The Next Place reading
4.Moksha Potamu Reincarnation Game
5.Everything is Connected Meditation
6.Age and Death Q & A
7.Fly Kites
8.Balloon Volleyball
9.Afterlife traditions - Viking, Christian and Buddhist
Family Conversation – a Death Café and Dessert Potluck
Session D3 – Death Clarifies Life
1.Interlinked Life/Death Chain Drawing
2.Before I Die Class Wall
3.Life of No Regrets mail to oneself
4.Chalk Designs outside
5.Appreciation Ball Throw Game
Session D4 – Before I Die Wall Choice
1.Color Changing Milk Experiment and Celebration
2.Three Options for the Before I Die Wall to choose.
Death Unit – Orientation, Death Café, Before I Die Wall Project Support.
