Lesson Plan
Healing After Loss
Support a 4th grader in expressing grief over their dog's death and introduce healthy coping strategies through emotion identification and memory-sharing activities.
A pet’s death can cause significant emotional distress. This lesson validates the student’s feelings, teaches about the grieving process, and provides practical coping tools to begin healing and reduce anxiety.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Emotion labeling, guided reflection, and coping exploration.
Materials
- Grief Feelings Chart, - Pet Memories Worksheet, - Coping Strategies Cards, - Drawing Paper, and - Colored Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
5 minutes
- Print one copy each of Grief Feelings Chart, Pet Memories Worksheet, and Coping Strategies Cards.
- Gather drawing paper and colored pencils in a calm corner of the room.
- Arrange a comfortable, private seating area free from distractions.
- Review each material so you can guide the student through them confidently.
Step 1
Introduction and Safe Space
2 minutes
- Greet the student warmly; acknowledge that their dog passed away this morning.
- Explain that this session is a safe space to talk about any feelings and memories.
- Emphasize there are no wrong emotions and the goal is to help them feel understood.
Step 2
Emotion Identification
4 minutes
- Present the Grief Feelings Chart showing a range of emotions.
- Ask the student to point out or name how they feel right now: sad, angry, confused, etc.
- Validate each emotion: “It’s okay to feel __.”
- Encourage them to share any story or thought tied to that emotion.
Step 3
Memory-Sharing Activity
4 minutes
- Give the student the Pet Memories Worksheet.
- Invite them to draw a picture of their dog or write a favorite memory.
- Ask guiding questions: “What was your dog’s name? What did you love most about them?”
- Offer prompts if needed, but let the student lead the content.
Step 4
Coping Strategies Discussion
3 minutes
- Lay out the Coping Strategies Cards, each illustrating a healthy coping skill (deep breathing, talking to someone, drawing, taking a walk).
- Review each card briefly and model one skill (e.g., three deep breaths together).
- Ask the student which strategies they feel comfortable trying when they feel sad.
Step 5
Closing and Next Steps
2 minutes
- Thank the student for sharing and acknowledge their courage.
- Remind them that it’s normal to grieve and that they can use the coping strategies anytime.
- Let them know you’re available to talk again and suggest they keep their worksheet somewhere personal.
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Slide Deck
Healing After Loss
A safe space for sharing feelings and memories about your pet.
Welcome the student warmly. Acknowledge that their dog passed away this morning and express your sympathy. Explain that this session is a private, safe space just for them.
Session Overview & Safe Space
• We’re here to talk about how you’re feeling right now.
• Any feeling is okay—there are no wrong emotions.
• This is a private, safe space for you.
Explain that you’re here to talk about how they’re feeling, and emphasize there are no wrong emotions. Remind them everything stays between the two of you.
How Are You Feeling?
Use the Grief Feelings Chart to point out or name your emotions:
• Sad
• Angry
• Confused
• Other feelings
Share any story or thought tied to those feelings.
Show the Grief Feelings Chart. Ask the student to point to or name how they feel (sad, angry, confused, etc.). When they share, validate each emotion: “It’s okay to feel __.”
Remembering Your Dog
Draw a picture of your dog or write a favorite memory on your Pet Memories Worksheet.
Prompts:
• What was your dog’s name?
• What did you love most about them?
Give the student the Pet Memories Worksheet. Invite them to draw a picture or write a favorite memory. Ask guiding questions: “What was your dog’s name? What did you love most about them?” Let them lead.
Healthy Ways to Cope
Look at the Coping Strategies Cards:
• Deep breathing
• Talking to someone
• Drawing
• Taking a walk
Let’s try three deep breaths together.
Lay out the Coping Strategies Cards. Briefly review each card and model one skill, for example deep breathing: take three deep breaths together. Ask which they feel comfortable trying.
Closing & Next Steps
• Thank you for sharing today.
• It’s okay to grieve, and you can use these strategies whenever you need them.
• I’m here to talk again whenever you’re ready.
Thank the student for their courage in sharing. Remind them grieving is normal and they can use these strategies anytime. Encourage them to keep their worksheet somewhere special.
Worksheet
Pet Memories Worksheet
1. Draw a Picture of Your Dog
Draw your dog here. Think about their face, paws, and tail. Show what made them special to you.
2. About Your Dog
a. What was your dog’s name?
b. How old was your dog?
c. What did you love most about your dog?
3. Favorite Memory
Write a short story about your favorite memory with your dog. Describe what happened, how you felt, and why it’s special.
4. How You Feel Right Now
Draw or write one word that describes how you feel today after thinking about your dog’s memory.
Activity
Coping Strategies Cards
Use these cards to remind yourself of healthy ways to feel better when you miss your dog. You can cut them out and keep them somewhere safe.
Deep Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body.
- Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 2 seconds.
- Breathe out through your mouth for 6 seconds.
Try this three times whenever you feel sad or upset.
Talking to Someone
Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or teacher.
• Find someone who will listen without judging.
• Tell them how you feel and why.
Talking can help your heart feel lighter.
Drawing
Use art to show your emotions when words are hard.
• Take a blank piece of paper and your favorite colors.
• Draw whatever comes to mind—shapes, colors, or pictures.
Art can help you express feelings and remember happy moments.
Taking a Walk
Move your body and breathe fresh air to clear your mind.
• Step outside for 5–10 minutes.
• Notice the sky, trees, or sounds around you.
A short walk can help you feel more peaceful.
Script
Healing After Loss: Teacher Script
Before You Begin
Materials:
- Grief Feelings Chart
- Pet Memories Worksheet
- Coping Strategies Cards
- Drawing paper and colored pencils
Make sure you have a quiet, comfortable spot for your session.
1. Introduction and Safe Space (2 minutes)
Teacher: “Hi [Student Name], I’m so glad we have this time together. I’m sorry about your dog passing away this morning. I know how much you loved them.
This is a private, safe space just for you. You can talk about whatever you’re feeling—there are no wrong emotions. I’m here to listen and help.”
Possible follow-up prompts if needed:
• “It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what to say right now.”
• “Take your time. I’ll be right here.”
2. Emotion Identification (4 minutes)
Teacher: “I’m going to show you our Grief Feelings Chart. It has lots of words and pictures of feelings.”
(Show chart.)
Teacher: “Can you point to or name how you feel right now? You might feel sad, angry, confused, or something else.”
Wait and watch: allow student time to point or share.
Teacher: “It’s totally okay to feel [repeat the emotion].”
Follow-up questions:
• “What makes you feel that way?”
• “Can you tell me more about a moment today when you felt that feeling?”
If the student seems stuck:
Teacher: “Sometimes I feel [share a simple feeling] when I’m sad. Does that ever happen for you?”
3. Memory-Sharing Activity (4 minutes)
Teacher: “Here is your Pet Memories Worksheet. You can draw a picture of your dog or write about a favorite memory.”
(Hand over worksheet and colored pencils.)
Teacher: “What was your dog’s name?”
After naming:
Teacher: “How old were they? What did you love most about them?”
Give space while student works. Offer gentle prompts:
• “Tell me about a time you and [dog’s name] laughed together.”
• “What sound did they make when they were happy?”
Teacher: “You can also finish the part where you draw or write how you feel now.”
4. Coping Strategies Discussion (3 minutes)
Teacher: “Great job sharing. Now let’s look at these Coping Strategies Cards. Each card shows a way to help your feelings when you miss your dog.”
(Spread cards out.)
Teacher: “Let’s try deep breathing together.”
Guide student:
- “Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.”
- “Hold for 2 seconds.”
- “Breathe out through your mouth for 6 seconds.”
(Repeat three times.)
Teacher: “Which of these strategies do you think might help you—talking to someone, drawing, or taking a walk?”
Possible prompts:
• “If you’re at home and feeling sad, who could you talk to?”
• “Would drawing your dog’s picture help when you miss them?”
5. Closing and Next Steps (2 minutes)
Teacher: “Thank you for being brave and sharing your feelings and memories with me today. Grieving is a normal thing, and it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.”
Teacher: “Remember, you can use these strategies anytime you need: use your worksheet, cut out a coping card, or take deep breaths.”
Teacher: “I’m always here if you want to talk again. You can keep your worksheet and your favorite coping card somewhere special—maybe in your backpack or on your bedside table.”
Teacher: “You did a wonderful job today.”
End with a warm smile and a reassuring gesture: “See you soon, and take care of yourself.”