Lesson Plan

Lantern Craft Overview

Students will design and create symbolic paper lanterns representing happy memories of a loved one they’ve lost, reflecting on how those memories bring hope and comfort.

This lesson supports students in expressing grief through art, fostering emotional resilience, remembrance, and communal sharing—a Tier 1 strategy for all 3rd graders.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather and Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Emotion Check-In

10 minutes

Step 2

Memory Sharing Discussion

10 minutes

Step 3

Slide Deck Presentation

10 minutes

Step 4

Construct Your Lantern

20 minutes

Step 5

Reflection Journaling

5 minutes

Step 6

Lantern Walk (Cool-Down)

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Memory Lantern Inspiration

Welcome students to the inspiration deck. Explain that they’ll see examples, learn about colors and symbols, then brainstorm ideas for their own lanterns.

Example Lantern Designs

Show each example (physical or projected images). Ask: What memories or feelings do you think each lantern represents?

Color & Symbolism

Discuss how colors carry meaning. Ask students for examples of other symbols or colors they associate with emotions.

Design Prompts

Invite students to think quietly or share in pairs. Encourage them to jot down ideas in their journals.

Sketch Your Ideas

Remind students these are quick sketches to gather ideas. They’ll use their sketches when decorating their actual lantern panels.

Lesson Plan

Lantern Craft Overview

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather and Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction & Emotion Check-In

Step 2

Memory Sharing Discussion

Step 3

Slide Deck Presentation

Step 4

Construct Your Lantern

Step 5

Reflection Journaling

Step 6

Lantern Walk (Cool-Down)

Slide Deck

Memory Lantern Inspiration

Example Lantern Designs

Color & Symbolism

Design Prompts

Sketch Your Ideas

Activity

Journal

Cool Down

Memory Lanterns

Ashley Acosta