Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
How To Use The Memory Box At Home And In The Classroom
By Homer Hartage
The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise in your hands, you’re probably holding something else, too—questions. Sometimes the questions belong to a child (“Why did Grandpa forget my name?”). Sometimes they belong to an adult (“What do I say without making this scary?”). And sometimes the question is simply this: How do I use this book in a way that truly helps—not just once, but repeatedly? If you’re holding—that’s the reason I created this Curriculum & Educator Resource Center.
My wife, Rose, and I owned and operated a child care center for fourteen years, serving early learners and their families. We learned something early that has stayed with me: children rarely need one perfect conversation. They need steady language, gentle routines, and a safe place to return to the same big idea as they grow.
As a professional guardian, I also walk alongside families when these changes become part of daily life. I’ve seen how much a gentle, steady approach matters: children do better when they’re given simple words, repeated reassurance, and a safe way to stay connected.
My earlier trade books—Family & Professional Guardianship, which helps families and professionals understand guardianship roles and responsibilities with clarity and compassion, and Parentification: Caregivers in Crises, which gives language to the overlooked reality of children carrying adult responsibilities—reflect this same focus on guiding others through complexity. The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise is also a trade book, simply created in a teaching format so it can be used repeatedly with children at home, in classrooms, and in counseling settings, rather than as a one‑time story.
“A story can open the door, but gentle routines help children walk through it.”
Children rarely understand big changes in one moment. They need simple words, steady repetition, and a safe way to return to the same idea over time.
The Memory Box is more than an activity. It becomes a familiar routine children can rely on, helping them stay connected to love while making sense of change at their own pace.
Whether at home or in the classroom, small, consistent moments create the greatest impact. A calm voice, a short story, and one meaningful connection at a time.
Over time, these gentle practices build trust, emotional safety, and the confidence children need to ask questions, express feelings, and feel supported as they grow.
Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
Why this isn’t “just a story” (and why that matters)
Many children’s books are meaningful, but they’re designed for a single moment. That’s fine—beautiful, even. But when a child is living through change, one read rarely answers everything. Questions come back. Feelings change shape.
The Memory Box is meant to function as a picture book with curriculum‑based memory activities. In plain terms: the story opens the door gently, and the activity helps children step through that door in a way that feels safe.
Implementation Paths — Choose Your Setting
A five Day Curriculum
A One Day Curriculum
Adoption & Implementation
Start with the simplest goal: safety first
Before we get into steps, one guiding idea that works in homes, classrooms, and counseling settings:
So the goal isn’t to “teach” memory change the way we teach multiplication. The goal is to create a gentle container: calm voice, short sessions, and permission for mixed feelings.
How to read the book (so it feels like a comfort, not a lecture)
When adults feel nervous, we sometimes read quickly. Children notice that. When we slow down, children relax.
Try reading as if you’re telling a story to a child you love—because you are.
Pause once or twice when Charlotte’s feelings are clear. Instead of asking many questions, choose one gentle prompt: “What do you think Charlotte is feeling right now?”
Then—this is important—accept whatever comes. A child might answer. A child might shrug. A child might stay quiet. Quiet is not failure. Quiet is processing.
Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
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Introducing the Memory Box
Here’s the line to use—at home, in class, or in a counseling office:
“A Memory Box is a place for little reminders of big love.”
Making the Memory Box in the classroom
Teachers are busy. Class time is precious. And sensitive topics require care. That’s why the best classroom approach is a week‑long rhythm with short sessions, not one long lesson.
A teacher might read the story early in the week and return to it in small ways. Students can create one Memory Box item one day, then another item the next. Sharing can be optional or private.
Making the Memory Box at home: a cozy 3-moment routine
At home, the best approach is a small routine you can repeat. You don’t need a craft marathon. You need something that fits real life.
Moment 1: Read
Read the story slowly, pausing once or twice for feelings.
Moment 2: Choose one memory
Invite your child to add one thing to the Memory Box today.
Moment 3: Connect
End with one steady sentence that your child can carry.
- “Love stays.”
- “You are still special.”
- “We can still be close.”
The story behind the work
Homer’s Story That Shaped All Other Stories
Years into Homer’s work as a professional guardian, he was assigned to an elderly woman with no close family. On paper, she was just another case number. But as Homer sat with her and listened, he noticed a small cardboard box tucked beneath her bed. Inside were a few photographs, old political flyers, handwritten recipe cards, and notes yellowed with time.
Most surprising, among this cluttered box was a financial record, her deceased husband had left an annuity, enough to care for her for the rest of her life. Alzheimer’s had nearly taken this from her.
"Please don't let me be forgotten. Care for me, remember me. This is the call of so many."
Reader Feedback
What Readers Are Saying
“I read the book “Family & Professional Guardianship” by Homer L. Hartage and found it very helpful. He explains the complicated topic of guardianship in a clear way. He used real-life examples to illustrate different scenarios. I highly recommend this book.”
Grace Michael
“After reading this book, I have a full understanding of guardianship. This book broke down the steps for me to understand what I need to do to seek guardianship, and it provided resources on how to do it. Absolutely amazing.”
Shirley Simmons
“Homer Hartage is a man who cares about people. The book is written in clear, precise language that does not require legal knowledge. Organized in a logical, easy-to-follow format with case studies. If you need information about guardianship practices in Florida, this is the book for you.”
Naomi Cooper
“A good resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the legal and practical issues concerning guardianship in Florida. The guide is direct and well-organized, with plenty of practical advice that should be helpful to families.”
Metauser
Library
Books By Homer
My writings ensure that no life is reduced to just paperwork, no story disappears without being told, and no family is left navigating responsibility alone.
Family & Professional Guardianship
Provides useful information for individuals, families, and professional guardians, so that they can make informed decisions about the guardianship and care of their loved ones.
Guidance for Guardians
Are you navigating the fog of guardianship responsibilities? This book offers practical solutions grounded in laws and factual insights, ensuring you are never caught off guard.
The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Surprise
A heartwarming story seen through the eyes of a child, exploring the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, family bonds, and the profound impact of memory loss on young lives.
Story Blurb
When Charlotte’s beloved grandpa no longer recognizes her face, her world crumbles. Armed with a Memory Box filled with photographs, Charlotte embarks on an emotional journey of rediscovery.
Parentification: Caregivers In Crisis
Every day, countless children step into roles meant for adults. Behind that strength lies a hidden cost: the loss of childhood, unspoken stress, and emotional wounds that can last a lifetime.
When Children Carry Adult Responsibilities
This book shines an unflinching light on the emotional and psychological weight carried by children who are forced to grow up too soon.
Where To Buy
Partner Bookstores
Homer L. Hartage’s books are available through the AgedCare Guardian website and trusted bookstore partners across the United States and internationally, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, BAM (Books-A-Million), and ThriftBooks.
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