October 2000
The Director - Features
The STAR Class
A program for children validates their feelings and encourages them to share their thoughts, fears and observations about the loss of a loved one
Many adults hold preconceived ideas about funeral directors and what they do. They pass these ideas on to children, who acquire most of their knowledge and beliefs from their parents, teacher and peers, as well as from television shows and movies.
The article, The STAR Class, provides information on a program for children that encourages them to share their thoughts about the death of a loved one. The program helps kids understand the visitation and funeral process through stories, pictures, discussion, a craft activity and a STAR message. The article discusses how the class benefits children and their families.
The article was written by the program's founder Karen Nilsen, who is a registered nurse and married to a funeral director. She has been teaching the STAR class at the Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel in Richfield, MN, for the past three years.
