They engage in magical thinking, which means they believe their behavior can cause events. Preschoolers may state contradictory statements, saying, When Spot died his body stopped working. But he still likes to wag his tail. Children might understand the phrase, Spot is not coming back, but not realize that this time period lasts forever. Although the concept of death is unclear for preschoolers, they do know that it is related to feeling sad and separation.
Feelings surrounding death mean something different for every child in the classroom.
Thus, when planning death curriculum it is important to tailor activities to meet the needs of all the children. It is also important to keep the consistent routine of the classroom schedule. While struggling with the unfamiliar concept of death, children need to feel a sense of security and stability in the predictability of school life. You might say, Spot wasn t looking when he crossed the street and a taxi hit him. Spot went to the hospital but the doctor could not make his body work, so Spot died.