Lesson Plan
Healing Hearts Lesson Plan
Students will identify and express feelings of grief, create a memory drawing, and learn simple coping strategies to support emotional well-being.
Processing grief early helps 2nd graders build emotional literacy, resilience, and healthy coping habits. This lesson offers a safe space to share memories, validate feelings, and reduce isolation.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided drawing, discussion, and card-based coping tools
Materials
- Drawing Paper, - Crayons, - Tissue Box, - Memory Drawing Worksheet, and - Coping Strategies Cards
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Memory Drawing Worksheet and Coping Strategies Cards as needed
- Print or assemble worksheets and cards
- Arrange crayons, drawing paper, and tissues in a quiet, comfortable space
Step 1
Introduction and Emotion Identification
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and explain today’s focus on feelings of loss
- Ask, “How are you feeling when you think about [loved one]?”
- Define ‘grief’ simply: ‘Grief is how we feel when we miss someone.’
- Validate responses: “It’s okay to feel that way.”
Step 2
Memory Drawing Activity
15 minutes
- Introduce the Memory Drawing Worksheet
- Prompt the student to draw a happy memory with their loved one
- Encourage conversation: ask questions about details as they draw
- Offer reassurance and acknowledge emotions throughout
Step 3
Sharing and Reflection
5 minutes
- Invite the student to share their drawing and describe the memory
- Reflect on the positive feelings the memory brings
- Acknowledge sadness and joy: “It’s okay to feel both.”
- Reinforce that remembering good times helps keep them close in our hearts
Step 4
Coping Strategies and Closure
5 minutes
- Present the Coping Strategies Cards
- Review simple techniques: deep breaths, drawing memories, talking to a trusted adult
- Let the student choose one strategy to try when feeling sad
- Close with a positive affirmation: “I’m proud of you for sharing today.”
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Worksheet
Memory Drawing Worksheet
1. Draw Your Memory
Think of a happy time you shared with someone you miss. Use the space below to draw a picture of that memory.
2. Reflect on Your Drawing
-
Who is in your memory?
-
What were you doing together?
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What feelings do you have when you remember this moment?
-
When you feel sad, which coping strategy would you like to try?
(You can pick a card from the Coping Strategies Cards.)
Great job sharing your memory! Remember, drawing and talking about happy moments can help your heart feel better.
Activity
Coping Strategies Cards
Cut out these cards. When you feel sad or miss someone, pick a card to help your heart feel better.
Breathe Deeply
Take five slow breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
This helps you feel calm.
Draw a Happy Memory
Use paper and crayons to draw a time you felt joy with someone you love.
Remembering good moments can bring comfort.
Hug Something Soft
Give a big hug to a stuffed animal, blanket, or soft pillow.
A warm hug can help you feel safe.
Talk to a Grown-Up
Share how you feel with a trusted adult—like a teacher, parent, or counselor.
Talking helps your feelings feel lighter.
Count to Ten
Slowly count from 1 to 10 in your head.
Focusing on numbers can help calm your mind.
Take a Short Walk
Move your body by walking around the room or outside for a minute.
Fresh air and movement can lift your spirits.
Script
Healing Hearts Script
Introduction and Emotion Identification (5 minutes)
Teacher: “Hi there! I’m so glad we have this time together today. We’re going to talk about feelings—especially what it’s like when we miss someone we love. Do you feel okay talking about that?”
(Pause and wait for student’s response.)
Teacher: “When you think about [loved one], how does your body feel? Do you notice anything—like your tummy, your chest, or your face?”
(Pause and listen. Validate their answer.)
Teacher: “Those feelings are totally normal. There’s a special word for how we feel when we miss someone. It’s called grief. Grief is how we feel when we miss someone we care about.”
Teacher: “It’s okay to feel sad, or even mad or confused. We’re going to spend some time today sharing memories and finding ways to feel a little better.”
Memory Drawing Activity (15 minutes)
Teacher: “Here is your Memory Drawing Worksheet. On the top part, I want you to draw a happy memory you shared with [loved one]. You can use any crayons you like. Take your time!”
(Give student paper and crayons.)
Teacher: “As you draw, I’m going to ask you some questions. You don’t have to answer all at once—just tell me when you’re ready.”
- “Who is in your picture?”
(Wait.)
Follow-up: “What do you remember about them?” - “What were you doing together?”
(Wait.)
Follow-up: “Can you show me on your drawing where that happened?” - “How did you feel in that moment?”
(Wait.)
Follow-up: “Where do you feel that feeling in your body?”
Teacher: “You’re doing a great job. Take another minute to finish any last details on your drawing.”
(Allow student to complete drawing.)
Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher: “Thank you for sharing your drawing with me! Can you tell me the story of what’s happening here?”
(Pause and listen.)
Teacher: “I love how you remembered [specific detail]. That memory seems really special.”
Teacher: “It’s okay to feel happy remembering these moments—and it’s okay if it also makes you feel a little sad. Feeling both happy and sad at the same time is normal.”
Teacher: “What is one thing you like most about this memory?”
(Wait.)
Teacher: “When you remember good times, it helps keep [loved one] close in your heart.”
Coping Strategies and Closure (5 minutes)
Teacher: “Now I’d like to show you some ways to help your heart feel better when you’re missing someone. These are the Coping Strategies Cards.”
(Show the cards, spread them out.)
Teacher: “Let’s look at each card together. You can pick one that you think would help you when you feel sad.”
- “Breathe Deeply: we can try it together now.”
(Demonstrate five slow breaths.) - “Draw a Happy Memory: we just did that!”
- “Hug Something Soft: you can hug a stuffed animal or a soft blanket.”
- “Talk to a Grown-Up: you can tell me or another trusted adult how you feel.”
- “Count to Ten: you can count in your head slowly.”
- “Take a Short Walk: you can stand up and walk around the room.”
Teacher: “Which card would you like to pick today?”
(Pause and let student choose.)
Teacher: “Great choice! When you start to feel sad, you can use this strategy. You’re the expert on what helps you feel calm.”
Teacher: “I’m so proud of you for sharing your memory and your feelings today. Remember, it’s okay to miss someone—and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”
Teacher: “Before we finish, let’s say a positive thought together. I’ll say, ‘I am brave,’ and you can repeat after me.”
Teacher & Student together: “I am brave. I am brave. I am loved. I am loved.”
Teacher: “Thank you for spending this time with me. You did an amazing job.”
Slide Deck
Healing Hearts
A 30-minute one-on-one session to help you understand and express grief.
Welcome the student. Say: “Hi there! I’m so glad we have this time together today. We’re going to talk about feelings—especially what it’s like when we miss someone we love.”
What is Grief?
• Grief means missing someone you love.
• It’s okay to feel sad, mad, or confused.
Explain grief simply. “Grief is how we feel when we miss someone we care about.” Validate any feelings the student shares.
How Are You Feeling?
Notice what you feel when you remember someone you miss:
• Sad 😢 • Angry 😡 • Mixed feelings 🤔
Ask: “When you think about [loved one], how does your body feel? Do you notice it in your tummy or chest?” Label feelings together.
Memory Drawing
Grab crayons and the Memory Drawing Worksheet.
Draw a happy moment you shared.
Hand over the Memory Drawing Worksheet. Prompt: “Draw a happy memory with your loved one. I’ll ask you about it as you draw.”
Share Your Memory
Tell me about your drawing:
• Who is in it?
• What were you doing?
• How did you feel then?
Invite the student to describe their drawing. Ask: “Who is in your picture? What were you doing? How did it feel?”
Coping Strategies
When you feel sad or miss someone, pick a card:
See the Coping Strategies Cards
Spread out the Coping Strategies Cards. Demonstrate deep breathing. Ask the student to pick one card.
Positive Affirmations
Repeat together:
“I am brave. I am brave.
I am loved. I am loved.”
Lead the student in saying affirmations together. “I am brave. I am loved.”