These symbols can be used to explain death and eternal life to children. They can be used as discussion starters. The shapes can be used for cookie cutters. They can be also cut out of paper or clay and used in mobiles. If the shapes are baked into cookies, they can then be used to celebrate the eternal life of their loved ones who have died. A turtle story is attached to give an explanation of that symbol being used.

This lesson plan was first used at St. Mary's Parish - Junction, Ohio in explaining the death of my six year old son to his first grade CCD class. I hope it will help all who read it and need to teach the beautiful/sad mystery of death/eternal life.

Carol Breidenbach

	When someone dies, they are not alone. An angel comes and guides them to heaven. The Angel then comforts the family. It is very unusual to see the Angel, but it is there.
			When we are living here on earth, we are like the butterfly when it is still in the cacoon. When we die and go to heaven we are transformed like the beautiful butterfly when it comes out of the cacoon.
	When Jesus died on the cross, He earned the right for us to go to heaven when we die.
			A circle is the symbol of our beautiful eternal life in heaven because it has no beginning or ending, it just keeps going around and around. Our life in heaven never ends.
	If someone we love or like very much dies, that love does not end. That love can go between heaven and earth.
			If something that you feel is sad or hard happens to you, God does not leave you alone. He loves you very much and always send his love and comfort to you. He sent our family a turtle and whenever we get sad, he sends another turtle. He might not send you a turtle, but he will in some way show you that he cares and he is with you.