Circle: 
- Name tags should be available so
each child can create one for himself
or herself upon arrival
- Chairs should be arranged so that
children sit in a circle
- A teddy bear should be placed on
each chair
- The group leader begins the circle
session by welcoming the children
and reviewing the purpose of the
group
- The leader introduces the theme
for the evening
- Each child is asked to introduce
himself or herself, give his or her
age and tell the group who it is
they love who has cancer (mom, dad
or other)
Purpose of
Session:
This session concentrates on teaching
the children about what cancer is and
attempts to clear up misconceptions
and fears about their parent's illness.
Cancer is defined in age-appropriate
terms that the child can understand.
An overview of the common types of
cancer, treatment and surgery are discussed.
Activity:
Leaders should choose an activity:
- Use an anatomy model to identify
sites of cancer, or use props to
show the difference between cancer
cells and normal cells:
- Blowing bubbles -- single bubbles
illustrate normal cells multiple
bubbles illustrate cancer cells
- Tinker toys -- building a cell
model
- Playdough -- form cells and
then manipulate them into cancer
cells
- Use an easel, chalkboard or marker
board to draw cells or body parts
- Put on a puppet show about being
in the hospital
- Take the children on a tour of
the hospital and include the following
learning stations:
- IV site
- Medical equipment
- Anatomy models
- Microscopes and slides
- Tour of radiation oncology
department
Provide each child with a "take
home" bag of medical supplies:
- Mask
- Bandages
- Rubber gloves
- Needle-less syringes
Story:
My
Mommy Has Cancer
Craft:
Have children draw pictures of their
perception of cancer and laminate their
pictures into placemats. Feel free
to use the coloring book, A Story About
Cancer.
Refreshments:
Cupcakes Lemonade
Session Held:
Any time
