What is Grief?

Have you ever felt a big, mixed-up bunch of feelings when something important changed or when you lost something or someone special? That big, mixed-up feeling is called grief.

Grief is a natural way your heart and mind react to loss. It's not just about feeling sad when someone you love dies. Grief can also happen when:

• Your favorite pet runs away or passes on.
• You move to a new town or school and leave old friends behind.
• Your parents get divorced or your family changes.
• A friend moves far away.
• You lose a special toy or something important to you.

Feelings of Grief

When you grieve, you might feel many different emotions. It's like a roller coaster inside your heart! Some common feelings are:

• Sadness: This is a big one. You might cry a lot or feel a heavy ache.
• Anger: You might feel mad at the situation, at yourself, or even at others.
• Confusion: You might not understand why things happened or what will happen next.
• Fear: You might be scared of what the future holds or if more bad things will happen.
• Loneliness: You might miss the person or thing you lost and feel alone.
• Guilt: Sometimes, people wonder if they could have done something differently.
• Even happiness: It's okay to remember good times and smile, even when you're grieving.

All these feelings are normal, and it's okay to feel them. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone's grief journey is different. The most important thing is to find healthy ways to let your feelings out and talk about them with someone you trust.

My Feelings Worksheet

Everyone has feelings! Sometimes feelings are easy, and sometimes they are big and confusing. When we experience loss or big changes, we can have many different feelings.

Part 1: Feeling Faces

Draw a face that shows each feeling. Then, write one word that describes what that feeling is like.

1. Sadness
   
   
   
   Looks like:
   
   
   
2. Anger
   
   
   
   Looks like:
   
   
   
3. Confusion
   
   
   
   Looks like:
   
   
   
4. Fear
   
   
   
   Looks like:
   
   
   

Part 2: My Emotion Story

Think about a time you felt a strong emotion (it doesn't have to be about grief, it could be joy, frustration, excitement, etc.).

What happened that made you feel that way?

How did you show or express that feeling? (Did you talk about it, draw, run, sing, cry, laugh?)

Why do you think it's important to have healthy ways to express our feelings?

My Coping Strategies Toolbox

When we have big feelings like sadness, anger, or confusion, it helps to have ways to cope. These are like tools in your personal toolbox that help you feel better.

Part 1: Brainstorm Your Tools

Think about things you already do that help you calm down or feel better when you are upset. What makes you feel safe, happy, or relaxed? List at least 5 different coping strategies.

Part 2: Draw Your Favorite Coping Tool

Choose one of your favorite coping strategies from your list above. In the box below, draw a picture of yourself doing that activity, or draw a symbol that represents it.

Part 3: Share and Discuss

• Which coping strategy are you most likely to use?
  
  
  
  
• Why is it important to have different ways to cope?
  
  
  
  
• Can you think of a coping strategy that might not be healthy? Why isn't it healthy?
  
  
  
  

Memory Jar Activity Guide: Treasured Moments

Sometimes, when things change or we experience a loss, it helps to remember the good times. Our memories are precious treasures that we can keep safe in our hearts, and now, in a special jar!

Objective: To create a personalized "Memory Jar" filled with positive memories related to a past loss or change, offering a tangible source of comfort and reflection.

Materials Needed:

• Small jars or containers (one per student)
• Strips of paper (various colors optional)
• Pens, pencils, or markers
• Optional: Stickers, glitter, or other decorations for the jars

Instructions:

1. Introduce the Idea (5 minutes):

   • Explain that memories are special thoughts about people, pets, or experiences that are important to us. Even when we experience loss or change, these good memories stay with us.
   • Introduce the idea of a "Memory Jar" as a special place to keep these treasured thoughts.

2. Brainstorm Memories (10 minutes):

   • Ask students to think about a loss or a big change they have experienced (e.g., a pet passing away, a friend moving, a favorite toy breaking, a family member moving). Remind them that they only need to share what they are comfortable with.
   • Encourage them to recall happy or comforting memories associated with that experience. For example:
     • "My dog, Buddy, used to cuddle with me on the couch."
     • "I remember laughing with my friend, Sarah, on the playground."
     • *"My grandma always made the best cookies."
   • Give students a few moments of quiet reflection to think of their own memories.

3. Write/Draw Memories (10 minutes):

   • Distribute the paper strips and writing tools.
   • Instruct students to write or draw one positive memory on each strip of paper. They can make as many as they like.
   • Remind them that these memories are personal, and they do not have to share them unless they want to.

4. Fill the Jar (5 minutes):

   • Once students have written/drawn their memories, instruct them to fold or roll their paper strips and place them inside their individual jars.
   • If decorations are available, allow students a few minutes to personalize their jars.

5. Share and Reflect (Optional - 5 minutes):

   • Invite students who feel comfortable to share one memory from their jar (without revealing the loss if they prefer not to). This helps reinforce the idea that memories can bring comfort.
   • Discuss: "How does it feel to have a jar full of your special memories?" and "When do you think it might be helpful to look at your Memory Jar?"

Empathy Scenario Cards

Instructions: Work in your small groups. Read each scenario and discuss how you would show empathy to the person in the story. Think about what you would say and what you would do to help them feel understood and supported.

Scenario 1: Moving Away

Your best friend, Alex, tells you that his family is moving to a different city next month. Alex looks very sad and says, "I don't want to leave here, and I'm going to miss everyone so much!"

• What would you say to Alex?
• What could you do to show Alex you understand how he feels?

Scenario 2: Lost Pet

Your classmate, Maya, comes to school looking very quiet and upset. During recess, she tells you her cat, Mittens, ran away last night and her family can't find her anywhere. Maya is almost in tears.

• How would you respond to Maya?
• What could you do to show her empathy?

Scenario 3: Falling Out with Friends

Liam usually plays with a group of friends, but today he's sitting alone during lunch. When you ask if he's okay, he whispers that his friends were mad at him during a game and told him they didn't want to play with him anymore.

• What words would you use to show Liam you understand his hurt?
• What might be a good way to support Liam right now?

Scenario 4: A Big Disappointment

Your friend, Chloe, worked really hard on a science project, but she didn't win a prize at the science fair. She feels really disappointed and says, "All my hard work was for nothing!"

• How can you show Chloe you understand her disappointment?
• What could you do to encourage her?

My Support System Map

Everyone needs people, pets, and even special activities that make them feel loved, safe, and supported, especially when going through tough times or big changes. This is your "Support System"!

Instructions: In the center circle, write your name or draw a picture of yourself. In the surrounding circles, write or draw the people, pets, or activities that are part of your support system. You can add more circles if you need to!

• Center Circle: Me!
• Surrounding Circles: Family, friends, teachers, counselors, pets, hobbies, etc.

Draw your Support System Map here:

Reflection Questions

1. Who is one person in your support system that you are grateful for, and why?

1. How does having a support system help you feel strong and brave?

1. What is one way you can show support to someone else?

My Grief Journey Journal: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Throughout our lessons, we've talked about many important things: what grief is, how we cope, cherishing memories, showing empathy, and building our support systems. Now, it's time for you to reflect on your own journey.

Instructions: Choose one of the prompts below and write about it in your journal. Remember, this is for you, so be honest with your feelings and thoughts. There are no right or wrong answers.

Prompt 1: A Letter to Myself

Imagine you could write a letter to yourself from the beginning of these lessons. What advice would you give your past self about understanding and dealing with big feelings of grief or loss? What new tools would you tell yourself you now have?

Prompt 2: My Grief Toolbox

Think about all the healthy coping strategies, the power of memories, and your support system. If you were to draw or describe your personal 'Grief Toolbox', what would be inside it? How would each 'tool' help you?

Prompt 3: Helping Others

Now that you know more about empathy and support, how do you think you can be a better friend or helper to someone else who is experiencing grief or a big change? What specific things would you do or say?