Finding Light After Loss Teacher Script

Section 1: Introduction & Norms (10 minutes)

Slide(s): 1–2 from Finding Light After Loss Slides

Teacher says:
“Good morning, everyone. Please take a seat in our circle so we can all see each other. Today we’re going to talk about an important and sometimes difficult topic: grief, or the feelings we have when we lose someone or something we care about. We will learn ways to understand our emotions and healthy strategies to cope, whether it’s something you’re experiencing yourself or supporting a friend.

Before we begin, let’s set up our safe-space agreements. I’ll read them aloud, and I’d like us to agree together:

1. Respect: We listen to each other without interrupting.
2. Confidentiality: What we share here stays here unless someone needs help to be safe.
3. Active Listening: We pay attention—eyes on speaker, open body language.

Can someone repeat one of these norms in your own words?”

Wait for a student to paraphrase.

“Thank you. We all agree to these norms, so we can support each other today. Now, let’s look at our first slide.”

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Section 2: Icebreaker – Memory & Emotion Word Association (15 minutes)

Materials: Index cards

Teacher says:
“On your desk are index cards. On one side, I want you to write a positive memory about someone or something you’ve lost or a time you felt sad because you missed something. On the flip side, write one word that describes the emotion tied to that memory—like ‘sad,’ ‘grateful,’ ‘surprised,’ or any feeling that fits.

Take three minutes to write quietly. Then we’ll collect and shuffle the cards, and everyone will get one at random. You’ll read the memory and emotion word aloud. As classmates, listen carefully and try to guess if the emotion written matches the memory described. Then the author will confirm or correct the guess.”

After three minutes…
“Please fold your cards and place them in this bin.”
Shuffle and redistribute.
“Who would like to start by reading the memory and emotion word on your card?”

After 4–5 shares, debrief:
“Thank you for sharing. How did it feel to read someone else’s memory and guess their emotion? Did anyone feel surprised by your own or someone else’s emotion? Why?”



Wait for 2–3 responses.
“Great observations. This activity shows us that grief and memory can bring up a range of feelings, and that’s all normal.”

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Section 3: Presentation – Understanding Grief & Coping Strategies (20 minutes)

Slide(s): 3–8 from Finding Light After Loss Slides

Slide 3: Stages of Grief

Teacher says:
“Here are five stages of grief you might experience: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Let’s go through each one briefly:

• Denial: You might think, ‘This can’t be happening.’ Has anyone ever felt that way when something hard happened?

Pause for 1–2 responses.

• Anger: You might feel mad—mad at the situation or even at yourself. What might anger sound like or look like?

Pause for 1–2 responses.

• Bargaining: You might find yourself saying ‘If only…’ or ‘What if…’ to try to change what happened.

• Depression: You could feel deep sadness, low energy, or a heavy heart.

• Acceptance: You begin to understand and live with the loss. It doesn’t mean you’re happy about it, but it means you’re finding a way forward.

Remember: These stages aren’t steps you do in order, and you might go back and forth between them—that’s perfectly normal.”

Slide 4: How Grief Feels

Teacher says:
“Grief can feel many ways: sadness or emptiness, confusion or shock, relief mixed with guilt, even frustration. Does anyone want to share a time you felt one of these feelings? You can use first names only or general examples.”

Allow 2–3 volunteers.

“Thank you. Each of our experiences is unique, and all these feelings are okay.”

Slide 5: Coping Strategy – Express Yourself

Teacher says:
“One healthy way to cope is to express yourself. You can:

• Write or draw your feelings in a journal.
• Talk with someone you trust—a friend, family member, or teacher.
• Use a comfort item, like a stress ball or favorite toy.

Which of these sounds most helpful to you? Anyone want to give an example?”

Pause for 1–2 responses.

Slide 6: Coping Strategy – Connect with Others

Teacher says:
“Another strategy is connection. You can:

• Listen to someone without judgment.
• Offer a hug or kind words.
• Join a group, team, or club to feel supported.

How might you connect with a friend who is grieving? What could you say or do?”

Pause for 1–2 responses.

Slide 7: Discussion Prompts

Teacher says:
“We’re going to use these prompts in our small groups. I’ll pass out the prompt sheet now. In a moment, you’ll get into groups of three or four. Take turns reading a question and responding. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions, like ‘Can you say more about that?’ or ‘How did that make you feel?’”

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Section 4: Small Group Discussion – Peer Support Exchange (20 minutes)

Materials: Supportive Conversation Discussion Prompts

Teacher says:
“Please find your group of three or four. Here are your prompts. I’ll circulate to listen in and help if you get stuck. Remember our norms: respect, confidentiality, and active listening.”

Circulate, offering gentle guidance:
“Great job listening, Maria. Carlos, would you like to add on? Remember to ask for details if you need clarification.”

After 15 minutes…
“Okay, let’s wrap up. Thank you for sharing with your group. Let’s return to the circle.”

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Section 5: Individual Reflection & Affirmation Note (10 minutes)

Materials: Chart paper or notebook paper, markers

Teacher says:
“Now I’d like you to write an affirmation note—either to yourself or to someone else in the class offering compassion, encouragement, or a coping tip you learned today. You can draw, write, or both. Here are some sentence starters on the board:

• ‘I see how strong you are because…’
• ‘Remember you can always…’
• ‘When you feel sad, try…’

Take eight minutes to create your note. I’ll play soft music while you work.”






After eight minutes…

“Please finish up your last thought. If you’re done early, you can decorate a class ‘Kindness Tree’ on this chart paper by writing one coping tip on a leaf we’ll add.”

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Section 6: Closing Circle & Relaxation (10 minutes)

Slide: 8 from Finding Light After Loss Slides

Teacher says:
“Let’s come back to our circle. If you’d like to share your affirmation note or one coping tip you wrote, please raise your hand. Sharing is optional.”

Allow 2–3 volunteers.

“Thank you all for your courage. Now we’ll end with a short breathing exercise to help us feel calm:

1. Sit up tall, feet on the ground, hands in your lap.
2. Breathe in quietly through your nose for a count of four—1, 2, 3, 4.
3. Hold that breath for a count of two—1, 2.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Let’s do that together three times.”

Guide students through three breaths.

Teacher says:
“You’re doing great. Remember: your feelings are valid, and you are never alone. Keep your affirmation note somewhere you can see it this week. And know these comfort items are here if you need them anytime.”

“Thank you for your openness and respect today. Class dismissed.”

Supportive Conversation Discussion Prompts

Use these questions in your small group. Take turns reading one prompt and responding. Practice active listening by asking follow-up questions like “Can you tell me more?” or “How did that feel?”

1. How can you show empathy to a friend who feels sad about a loss?

1. What coping strategies have you tried when you felt grief, and which helped you most?

1. Can you share a time when someone supported you during a hard moment? What did they do that helped?

1. What comforting words or actions would you offer to a classmate who lost something important?

1. If a friend doesn’t want to talk about their feelings, how could you still be supportive?