Lesson Plan
Grief Journey Bingo
Students will identify and express emotions related to grief, learn coping strategies, and connect with peers in a supportive group setting.
Grief is a natural response to loss, and providing students with a safe space to understand and process these feelings is crucial for their emotional well-being. This lesson helps normalize grief and build healthy coping mechanisms.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive Bingo game and guided discussion to facilitate emotional expression and peer support.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Grief Journey Bingo Card, Bingo Call Cards, Markers or pencils, and Small tokens (optional, for bingo markers)
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Grief Journey Bingo Lesson Plan, Grief Journey Bingo Slide Deck, Grief Journey Bingo Card, and Bingo Call Cards.
- Print one copy of the Grief Journey Bingo Card for each student.
- Print and cut out the Bingo Call Cards.
- Prepare a whiteboard or projector to display the Grief Journey Bingo Slide Deck.
- Have markers or pencils ready for students to mark their cards.
- (Optional) Have small tokens available for students to use as bingo markers.
Step 1
Introduction (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the topic of grief in a gentle, age-appropriate manner. Explain that grief is a normal feeling when someone experiences a loss.
- Introduce the Grief Journey Bingo game as a way to explore feelings and ideas about grief together. Reassure students that this is a safe space to share, but also that they only need to share what they are comfortable with.
- Distribute the Grief Journey Bingo Card to each student.
Step 2
Grief Journey Bingo Game (20 minutes)
20 minutes
- Explain the rules of Bingo: As you call out phrases from the Bingo Call Cards, students will mark the corresponding square on their Grief Journey Bingo Card.
- When a student gets 5 in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), they say 'Bingo!'
- Emphasize that for each square they mark, they should think about if they've experienced or felt that particular statement. If they feel comfortable, they can briefly share their experience related to the square.
- Begin calling out phrases one by one from the Bingo Call Cards. Facilitate brief discussions after each call, encouraging students to share if they are comfortable.
- Play until a few students achieve 'Bingo!'. Acknowledge their participation and feelings shared.
Step 3
Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Gather students' attention and thank them for participating and sharing.
- Briefly review some of the feelings and coping strategies discussed during the game.
- Reiterate that it's okay to feel many different emotions when grieving and that talking about it can help.
- Remind students that they have support systems (teachers, counselors, family) and encourage them to reach out if they need to talk more.
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Grief Journey Bingo!
Today, we'll explore our feelings about loss and support each other.
This is a safe space to share and learn together about grief and coping.
Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with. Every feeling is okay!
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Explain that grief is a normal part of life when we lose something or someone important to us. Frame the Bingo game as a way to gently explore these feelings together.
How to Play Grief Journey Bingo
- We'll give you a Grief Journey Bingo Card.
- We'll call out phrases about grief and feelings.
- If a phrase describes something you've felt or experienced, mark it on your card.
- When you get 5 in a row (across, down, or diagonally), shout "Bingo!"
- Important: We'll pause to talk about some of the squares and what they mean to us. Sharing helps us heal!
Explain the rules of Bingo clearly. Emphasize the sharing aspect: for each square they mark, they should reflect on it, and if comfortable, share briefly. This is where the therapeutic value lies.
Let the Journey Begin!
Listen carefully to each phrase.
Mark your card if it applies to you.
Be ready to share your thoughts and feelings if you feel comfortable.
Let's support each other on this journey.
Start the game. Call out phrases from the Bingo Call Cards. Facilitate discussion for each phrase, allowing students to share their experiences or understanding. Keep the atmosphere supportive and empathetic.
Reflect and Connect
Great job everyone!
What did we learn today about grief?
How did it feel to share our experiences?
Remember, it's okay to feel sad, mad, confused, or anything else when you're grieving. You are not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.
After a few rounds or when a student gets bingo, transition to the wrap-up. Reinforce key messages about the normalcy of grief and the importance of support.
You Are Not Alone
Grief is a journey, and it's one you don't have to take by yourself.
If you ever need to talk, remember your family, friends, teachers, and I are here for you.
Keep talking, keep feeling, and keep healing.
End with a positive and supportive message, encouraging students to reach out if they need further support.
Activity
Grief Journey Bingo Card
Find a square that matches your experience or feeling and mark it! When you get five in a row, shout "BINGO!"
| B | I | N | G | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felt sad after a loss | Missed someone who is no longer here | Talked to a grown-up about my feelings | Cried when I felt overwhelmed | Drew a picture to express my feelings |
| Felt confused about what happened | Wrote in a journal about my loss | Remembered a happy memory with someone I miss | Felt angry about a loss | Listened to music to help me feel better |
| Felt lonely sometimes | FREE SPACE | Helped a friend who was sad | Felt numb or empty | Spent time in nature to feel calm |
| Didn't know what to say | Felt guilty about something | Asked for a hug when I needed one | Felt tired often | Read a book that made me feel understood |
| Had trouble concentrating | Laughed even when I was sad | Helped someone else who was grieving | Felt worried about the future | Used my imagination to feel connected |
Activity
Bingo Call Cards
Cut these cards out. Call them one by one during the game, allowing time for students to mark their cards and share if they wish.
Felt sad after a loss
Missed someone who is no longer here
Talked to a grown-up about my feelings
---\n
Cried when I felt overwhelmed
Drew a picture to express my feelings
Felt confused about what happened
Wrote in a journal about my loss
Remembered a happy memory with someone I miss
Felt angry about a loss
Listened to music to help me feel better
Felt lonely sometimes
Helped a friend who was sad
Felt numb or empty
Spent time in nature to feel calm
Didn't know what to say
Felt guilty about something
Asked for a hug when I needed one
Felt tired often
Read a book that made me feel understood
Had trouble concentrating
Laughed even when I was sad
Helped someone else who was grieving
Felt worried about the future
Used my imagination to feel connected