Imagine being able to go back in time and relive important life events and relationships. In this activity, press pause on special moments that you want to reflect on and cherish by making your very own time capsule to store these in.
What you’ll need: Recyclable container or box, pens, paper, paint, glue, old magazines or pictures. What’s it for? It is too easy to let time pass by without reflecting on the memories we make on the way. Using creativity to think about special memories can build our ability to treasure important relationships and support the feelings that are associated with these experiences. Check In: Notice how you’re feeling right now. Close your eyes and notice what’s going on inside your mind and body.
How are you feeling?
What are you thinking?
How does your body feel?
Method:
Firstly, start by making your time capsule
Decide on which recyclable container you want to use: it could be a plastic bottle, an old cereal box, or jam jar. It needs to be large enough to contain your memorabilia
Make sure it has an opening to post through your items or a lid to open, to store items inside
Decorate your time capsule. Add important features such as the person it belongs to and the date it is today (if you are using paint, let the time capsule dry before proceeding)
Remembering some positive memories, think about which stand out the most.
How might you represent these memories?
Either draw, write about your memory, include a symbolic item, or a photograph that represents the person or memory
If it is difficult to find something concrete, look through a magazine for a word or image that reminds you of the memory
It could be that you include memories associated with family, friends, teachers or pets that were meaningful and special
Note any feelings that come up for you as you reflect on your memories
Find a safe place for your time capsule.
Open it up if you are looking for something positive to focus your mind on, or want to reflect on your special memories
Extra Activity: How about playing a game where the time capsule is hidden and needs to be found using a treasure map pointing out a number of clues to reach its destination?
When you’ve finished, spend a moment reflecting on the activity and ask yourself the following questions:
How did you feel making and decorating your time capsule?
Did any particular memories resonate with you more than others?
Did this activity help you to focus on some of your special relationships?
How important is it to associate feelings with memories in understanding how to make and sustain relationships? Why do you think this is?
Conclusion: Finding a place to store all our cherished memories can focus our thoughts and reflections on special life events and relationships. It is important to pause for thought sometimes and understand what is in these memories that develops our relationships with others. In this activity, there is the chance to think through some of these elements and become more tuned into the feelings and emotions associated within them. Take a moment to notice how you are feeling at the end of this activity. Did you discover anything surprising? What can you take away to make you feel better about yourself from this activity? If you would like to, share something about your experience with this activity with someone you live with! Ask the person who looks after you to send us an email if you have any questions or comments about the activity, or would like to send us any pictures (info@catcorner.co.uk). Don't forget to subscribe for more fun CAT activities! Created by Sarah Kong © December 2021
Creative Arts Used: Art Psychological Areas Explored: Emotional Wellbeing, Relationships and Self-Esteem If you enjoyed this activity, you might also like: Daily Gratitude Jar: create a special jar to store all the things you are grateful for each day These activities could be done by children of all ages, but some may need the support of their parent or carer to read the instructions or complete the activity safely. This website was made by CAT Corner to help you explore your feelings through fun creative arts activities. The people using the website and the people responsible for them need to make sure they stay safe (full disclaimer on About page).
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