Lesson Plan
Grief Garden Plan
Students will understand the concept of grief and learn healthy coping strategies by identifying feelings and expressing them through discussion and journaling.
Helping 3rd graders name and share complex emotions builds emotional literacy, resilience, and a supportive classroom community.
Audience
3rd Grade Elementary Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and reflective journaling.
Materials
- Emotion Expression Cards, - Grief Garden Reflection Journal, - Chart Paper, - Markers, and - Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out the Emotion Expression Cards.
- Print enough copies of the Grief Garden Reflection Journal for each student.
- Set up chart paper and markers in the meeting area.
- Review both materials to familiarize yourself with the prompts and images.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the carpet.
- Ask: “What is grief? When might we feel it?” Record responses on chart paper.
- Explain: Today we’ll explore grief and learn ways to feel supported.
- Emphasize respect and active listening rules.
Step 2
Explore Emotions
10 minutes
- Distribute one Emotion Expression Card to each student.
- Ask students to look at their card and think of a time they felt that emotion.
- In pairs, share: “When did you feel this? How did your body feel?”
- After 5 minutes, invite a few pairs to share highlights with the class.
Step 3
Reflective Journaling
10 minutes
- Hand out the Grief Garden Reflection Journal pages.
- Prompt students: “Draw or write about a time you felt sad or missed someone.”
- Encourage use of words, pictures, and colors to show feelings.
- Circulate to support and affirm each student’s work.
Step 4
Share and Support
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share one idea or drawing from their journal.
- Ask: “What helps you feel better when you’re sad?” Record coping strategies on chart paper (talking, drawing, breathing).
- Reinforce that grief is natural and sharing feelings helps us heal.
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Slide Deck
Grief Garden
Understanding and Expressing Grief
Today’s Goals:
• Define grief
• Explore different emotions
• Reflect through journaling
• Share healthy coping strategies
Welcome the students to our Grief Garden session. Introduce today’s goals: defining grief, exploring emotions, journaling, and sharing coping strategies.
Script: “Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to learn about grief—what it is and how we can take care of our feelings when we feel sad or miss someone.”
Essential Question
What is grief?
When might we experience grief?
Ask students to think-pair-share on this question. Record their answers on chart paper as you facilitate discussion.
Script: “What do you think grief means? When might we feel grief?”
Exploring Emotions
Examples of Emotions:
• Sad
• Angry
• Confused
• Lonely
• Scared
Use your Emotion Expression Card to guide your thinking.
Distribute one Emotion Expression Card to each student. Ask them to think of a time they felt that emotion and share with a partner.
Script: “Look at your card. Think about a time you felt this emotion. How did your body feel? Turn to a friend and share for 2–3 minutes.”
Reflective Journaling
Journaling Prompt:
Draw or write about a time you felt sad or missed someone.
Use colors, pictures, or words to show your feelings.
Hand out the Grief Garden Reflection Journal pages. Encourage creative expression through drawing, writing, and colors.
Script: “Now, draw or write about a time you felt sad or missed someone. Show how your body or heart felt. You can use words or pictures!”
Coping Strategies
Ways to Help Ourselves:
• Talk to someone you trust
• Draw, write, or color
• Take slow, deep breaths
• Remember happy memories
Invite 3–4 volunteers to share their coping ideas. Record strategies on chart paper as they share. Emphasize there are many ways to feel better.
Script: “What helps you feel better when you’re sad? Let’s add your ideas to our coping chart!”
Closing Thoughts
Grief is a natural feeling.
Sharing our feelings helps us heal and grow together.
Thank you for being brave and caring!
Wrap up by reinforcing that grief is natural and sharing helps us heal. Thank students for their openness and remind them they can always talk to you.
Script: “Thank you for sharing your feelings today. Remember, we grow stronger by supporting each other.”
Worksheet
Emotion Expression Cards
Cut out the cards below along the lines. Each card lists an emotion and asks you to think of a time you felt it. Pair up with a classmate, swap cards, and share your answers!
Sad
Name a time you felt this?
Angry
Name a time you felt this?
Confused
Name a time you felt this?
Lonely
Name a time you felt this?
Scared
Name a time you felt this?
Journal
Grief Garden Reflection Journal
Use this page to remember a time you felt sad or missed someone. You can draw and write—use colors, shapes, words, or pictures to show your feelings.
1. Draw Your Memory
Draw a picture of when you felt sad or missed someone you love. Think about what you saw, heard, or felt in your body at that moment.
2. Describe What Happened
Write about the memory you drew. Who was there? What made you feel sad? How did your body feel? Use as many words as you need.
3. Name Your Feelings
Circle or write words that match how you felt. You can add your own words too:
- Sad - Lonely - Scared - Confused - Angry - Other: __________
4. Find Comfort
What helps you feel better when you’re sad? List people, activities, or thoughts that bring you comfort.
Remember: It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can help your heart feel lighter.