Saying Goodbye Short Story

Lila loved spending Saturday mornings at her Grandma Rosa’s house. They would bake cookies side by side, and Grandma Rosa’s gentle laugh filled the kitchen like sunshine. Lila’s favorite moments were when they sat on the porch swing, sipping lemonade and sharing silly stories.

One morning, Lila woke up and her parents spoke in hushed voices. When she arrived at Grandma Rosa’s house, she found it quiet and still. Tears filled Lila’s eyes as she realized her grandma had passed away during the night. She hugged Grandma Rosa’s favorite shawl, whispering, “I’ll miss you so much.”

Later that day at school, Lila remembered the warmth of Grandma Rosa’s hugs and the way her eyes sparkled when she told stories. She realized she could keep Grandma Rosa close by holding onto those memories. Though her heart felt heavy with sadness, Lila also felt gratitude for every moment they had shared together.

Emotion Charades Rules

1. Gather in a circle with all students.
2. One student draws an Emotion Card without showing it.
3. The student acts out the emotion using only gestures and facial expressions (no words or sounds).
4. The group tries to guess the emotion.
5. If guessed correctly within 60 seconds, the group earns 1 point.
6. Return the card to the bottom of the pile and pass the turn clockwise.
7. Continue until everyone has had at least one turn or time is up.

Tips for Actors:

• Use your whole body to show the feeling (e.g., slumped shoulders for “sad”).
• Exaggerate facial expressions to make it clear.

Tips for Guessers:

• Watch movements closely and think of the vocabulary you know.
• Take turns making one guess at a time to give everyone a chance.

Emotion Bingo Cards

Print and distribute one card per student. Call out emotion words and have students mark them on their cards. The first student to complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line shouts “Bingo!” and names the four emotions in their winning line.

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

Emotion Cards

Print and cut out the following cards. Each square is one card. Use them for check-in and games.

Memory Prompt Cards

Print and cut out each card. Use these cards to guide your sharing during the Memory Sharing step in Session 2 Lesson Plan.

Who is your memory about?

What is your favorite moment with them?

What sounds or smells remind you of them?

Describe something kind or funny they did.

What did you learn from this person or pet?

How did spending time together make you feel?

If you could tell them one thing now, what would it be?

Draw a small symbol or emoji that shows how you feel about this memory.

The Stress Bucket Story

Maya imagined her worries and feelings as water filling a clear bucket she kept in her mind. On Monday, she got extra homework and her little brother knocked over her favorite drawing—drip. On Wednesday, her best friend moved to a new school—drip. Every small worry or disappointment poured more water into Maya’s bucket.

One afternoon at school, Maya realized her bucket was almost overflowing. She felt her chest tighten, her thoughts raced, and she wanted to cry. That’s when her teacher, Mr. Lopez, noticed Maya’s worried look. He explained, “When our stress bucket gets too full, we need ways to let water out so it doesn’t spill over.”

Mr. Lopez taught Maya three simple tools:

• Deep Breaths: Take a slow breath in for four counts, hold for two, then exhale for four—whoosh, and a little water drips out.
• Drawing Feelings: Scribble or color what’s inside your bucket—scribble, scribble—and more water drains away.
• Talking It Out: Share one worry with a friend or grown-up—chat, chat—and watch the water level lower.

That evening, Maya tried each tool. She took deep breaths before dinner, drew a picture of her feelings, and told her mom one worry about school. With every breath, doodle, and conversation, the water in her bucket sank back down.

By the end of the week, Maya knew her bucket might fill up again—and that was okay. Now she had ways to let out the extra water before her feelings spilled over.

Stress Bucket Worksheet

Use this worksheet to map out what fills your stress bucket and the tools you can use to let water out.

1. Stress Sources

List three things that fill your bucket (cause you stress or worry):

a) _______________________________

b) _______________________________

c) _______________________________

2. Bucket Drawing

Draw or write these stressors inside the bucket below:

[Draw your bucket here]

3. Coping Skills

From The Stress Bucket Story, list three coping skills and explain how each helps lower your stress:

a) Coping Skill: _______________________
How it helps: ___________________________

b) Coping Skill: _______________________
How it helps: ___________________________

c) Coping Skill: _______________________
How it helps: ___________________________

4. Personal Plan

Which one coping skill will you try this week? Why?

How will you remember to use this skill?

Coping Skills Cards

Print and cut out each card. Use these in the Game: Coping Skills Cards activity in Session 3 Lesson Plan. Each card names one coping strategy. During the game, students draw a card and share one real-life situation where they could use that strategy.

• Deep Breathing (take slow breaths in for 4 counts, hold 2, exhale 4)
• Drawing Feelings (sketch or color to express what’s inside your “bucket”)
• Talking It Out (share a worry with a friend or grown-up)
• Going for a Walk (move your body to help clear your mind)
• Listening to Music (play a favorite song to relax)
• Counting to Ten (slowly count 1–10 to calm down)
• Positive Self-Talk (“I can handle this,” “I am strong”)
• Asking for Help (reach out to someone you trust)
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (tense and relax different muscle groups)
• Journaling (write down your thoughts and feelings)
• Stretching (gently stretch arms, legs, neck to release tension)
• Mindful Senses (notice 3 things you can see, hear, feel)

Coping Strategy Charades Rules

1. Gather students in a circle with the Coping Skills Cards face down in the center.
2. One student draws a card without showing it to others.
3. The student acts out the coping strategy using only gestures and facial expressions (no words or sounds).
4. Teammates take turns guessing the strategy for up to 60 seconds.
5. If guessed correctly, the group earns 1 point. Return the card to the bottom of the pile and pass the turn clockwise.
6. Continue until time is up or everyone has had a turn.

Tips for Actors:

• Exaggerate movements to make the action clear (e.g., take deep breaths, mime drawing, pretend to walk).
• Use your whole body to convey the strategy (e.g., curl up for “self-care moment”).

Tips for Guessers:

• Watch carefully and think of the list of coping tools you know.
• Offer one guess at a time so everyone gets a chance.

After Each Round:

• Ask the actor to share one real-life situation where they could use this coping strategy.

Memory Collage Worksheet

Use this worksheet to create an art collage of a special memory and connect it to your feelings.

1. Memory Details

a) Who is in this memory (person, pet, place)?

b) What happened in this memory? Describe the moment.

c) How did you feel at that moment? Choose one word or phrase.

2. Your Collage

Draw, glue, or paste images, stickers, and symbols that represent your memory. You can cut out pictures from magazines or draw your own. Add small notes or words if you like.

3. Word Labels

Choose three words or short phrases that describe your memory or how you felt. Write each one neatly below and then place or stick it around your collage drawing.

Keepsake Prompt Cards

Print and cut out each card. Use these cards to guide your discussion during the Discussion: Objects & Memories step in Session 5 Lesson Plan.

What object reminds you most of someone you miss?

Why is this object special to you?

What colors or shapes make you think of your person?

What words or phrases would you like on your keepsake box?

If you could place one small note inside, what would it say?

Describe a favorite moment with them that makes you smile.

How did they make you feel when you were together?

Draw a small symbol or doodle that represents your relationship.

Memory Box Template

Cut along the solid lines, fold along the dashed lines, and glue the flaps to assemble your keepsake box. Decorate each panel before you cut.

┌────────────┐
│ │
│ Lid │
│ (decorate) │
│ │
└────────────┘
┌─────┐ ┌────────────┐ ┌────────────┐ ┌────────────┐ ┌─────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ Flap│ │ Side 1 │ │ Side 2 │ │ Side 3 │ │ Flap│
│ │ │ (decorate) │ │ (decorate) │ │ (decorate) │ │ │
└─────┘ └────────────┘ └────────────┘ └────────────┘ └─────┘
┌────────────┐ ┌─────┐
│ │ │ │
│ Bottom │ │ Flap│
│ (write or │ │ │
│ draw a │ │ │
│ note │ │ │
└────────────┘ └─────┘

— Solid lines = cut — Dashed lines = fold — Flaps = glue

Story Prompt Cards

Print and cut out each card. Use these cards to guide your drawing or writing in Session 6 Lesson Plan.

Draw or write about a time you laughed with someone you miss.

Describe or draw a place that reminds you of them.

Share a memory that always makes you smile.

Draw or write about something that reminds you of your person (a smell, sound, or object).

Write or draw how they helped you when you felt sad.

Sketch a symbol or emoji that shows how you feel about them.

Write one sentence you wish you could say to them now.

Storytelling Guidelines Sheet

Use these guidelines to make our Storytelling Circle a safe, respectful, and supportive space for everyone.

1. Before You Share

• Choose a prompt that feels right for you.
• You may draw instead of writing if that’s easier.
• Remember: you only share what you feel comfortable with.

2. While Listening

• Give your full attention to the speaker—eyes on them, quiet voices.
• Show you’re listening with nods or gentle smiles.
• Keep all shared stories confidential: what’s said in the circle stays in the circle.

3. When It’s Your Turn to Share

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Use “I” statements: “I remember…,” “I felt…,” to own your experience.
• It’s okay to use just a few words or draw a picture instead of writing lots of sentences.

4. After Someone Shares

• Offer one supportive comment, such as “Thank you for sharing,” or “I felt that too.”
• Avoid judging or interrupting—this is about encouragement, not advice.

5. Be Kind to Yourself and Others

• It’s normal to have strong feelings when talking about loss.
• If you feel upset, take a deep breath, or pass the ball back quickly—​you don’t have to share until you’re ready.
• Remember: sharing your story helps you and helps others know they’re not alone.

Community Comfort Short Story

Sam stood in the school hallway, clutching a folded note in his hand. His favorite dog, Scout, had passed away the night before. Sam’s eyes felt heavy and he wasn’t sure who to talk to.

Just then, his friend Amina noticed Sam’s quiet face. She scooped him an extra cookie from the lunch tray and sat with him. "My cat Tilly died last year," she whispered, "I know it hurts." Sam nodded and felt a little lighter.

Later that day, Mrs. Rivera, the school counselor, invited Sam to sit on the big blue couch in her office. She handed him a notecard and asked him to draw one happy memory with Scout. Sam drew Scout chasing butterflies in the backyard. When he finished, Mrs. Rivera taped the card on a “Memory Wall” for anyone to see and remember.

By the end of recess, Sam realized he wasn’t alone in his sadness. A friend’s kindness, a counselor’s caring, and a shared memory helped him feel that his heart could heal—with help from people who cared about him.

Support Web Worksheet

Use this worksheet to map out your personal support network. Write your name in the center, then draw lines to people or resources you can turn to and write how they can help.

Your Name

Write your name in the circle below:

( Your Name Here )

Support Connections

1. Name: __________ How they help: __________

1. Name: __________ How they help: __________

1. Name: __________ How they help: __________

1. Name: __________ How they help: __________

Optional: add more connections or draw your web around your name above!

Help Chain Activity Rules

Use this relay game to practice naming who we can turn to or ways we can help others when someone feels sad.

1. Divide the class into two teams and have each team form a single-file line.
   
2. Give each team a ‘help token’ (a soft ball or beanbag) and place it in front of the first person.
   
3. On your signal, the first student picks up their token, names one person they could ask for help or one way they could help a friend, then passes the token to the next student.
   
4. Each teammate must give a different support idea before passing the token along.
   
5. Continue until the token reaches the end of the line. The first team to finish their line with all supportive answers wins—and both teams get applause!
   

Tips for Success:

• Encourage naming a variety of people (family members, friends, teachers, counselors) or actions (listening, sharing a hug, drawing together).
  
• Remind students there are no wrong answers—any genuine support idea counts.
  
• Celebrate creativity and kindness by cheering each response.

Ritual Options Cards

Print and cut out each card. Use these cards to choose a ritual in Session 8 Lesson Plan.

Plant a Memory Flower
• Take a small pot and fill it with soil.
• Plant a seed or bulb and cover it gently.
• As you press the soil, think of a special memory with someone you miss.
• Water your seed and place the pot somewhere you can watch it grow as a reminder of your loved one.

Light a Candle of Remembrance
• Choose a battery-powered candle.
• Hold the candle quietly and recall a happy moment you shared.
• When you feel ready, “light” it and let its glow represent your warm memories.
• Share one word or a silent thought while it shines.

Send a Paper Boat with a Message
• Fold a paper boat using the provided template.
• On the boat’s sail or hull, write or draw a short message or memory.
• Place your boat in a shallow container of water (or move gently across a table).
• Watch it drift, imagining you’re sending your thoughts across to the person you miss.

Hope Stones Worksheet

Use this worksheet to capture one hope or goal for your future and plan a small first step to help you move forward.

1. My Hope for the Future

What is one thing you hope or wish for in the coming weeks or months? Write or draw below.

2. My First Small Step

What is one small action you can take this week to work toward that hope? Describe it or draw it below.

3. How I Will Remember This

(Optional) Draw or write a reminder (a symbol, word, or phrase) you can keep somewhere visible to help you take that step.