Teacher Script: Healing Hearts

1. Welcome and Normalizing Grief (7 minutes)

(Teacher should be standing at the front, with Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 1 displayed)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here today. I know that sometimes it can be hard to talk about certain topics, especially when they involve strong emotions. But today, we're going to talk about something really important that many of us might be experiencing, especially after the loss of our classmate/friend."

(Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 2)

"We're going to talk about grief. Grief is a completely normal and natural response to loss. It's how our hearts and minds react when someone important to us is no longer here. It's important to remember that there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to grieve. Everyone experiences it differently, and all the feelings you might be having are valid. You might feel sad, angry, confused, numb, or even a mix of many emotions. And that's okay. We're here to listen, to understand, and to support each other."

"To start, what are some ways we might feel when someone we know passes away? Just shout out some words if you feel comfortable."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for students to share. Validate all responses.)

2. Emotions Scaling Activity (10 minutes)

(Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"As you just shared, our feelings can be like a roller coaster during grief. Sometimes we feel one thing, sometimes another, and sometimes it changes quickly. To help us understand what we're feeling right now, we're going to use an Emotions Scale Worksheet."

"I'm going to hand out this worksheet now. Please take one, and a pen or pencil. On this sheet, you'll see a list of emotions, and next to each one, a scale from 1 to 5. One means you're not feeling that emotion much at all, and five means you're feeling it very strongly. You can mark how much you're feeling each emotion related to our loss."

"This is for your own personal reflection; you don't have to share your answers unless you want to. Take about 5 minutes to complete this. If you need help with any of the words, please let me know."

(Distribute Emotions Scale Worksheet. Allow 5 minutes for completion. Circulate to offer quiet support.)

"Now that you've had a moment to reflect, would anyone like to briefly share one emotion they noticed or something that surprised them about their feelings today? No pressure at all, but if you feel comfortable, you can share just one word or a short thought."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for voluntary sharing. Thank those who share and acknowledge the bravery.)

3. Grief Expression Activity: Narrative or Drawing (15 minutes)

(Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"Sometimes, just thinking about our feelings isn't enough. Expressing them, through words or art, can be a really powerful way to help us process what's going on inside. For the next 15 minutes, you'll have a choice."

"I'm handing out this Grief Expression Activity Sheet and some colored pencils/markers. You can choose to either draw something that represents your feelings, memories of our classmate/friend, or even hopes you have during this time. Or, if you prefer to write, you can write a letter to our classmate/friend, a short narrative about a memory, or just describe your feelings in words."

"Remember, this is a personal activity. It's for your eyes only, unless you choose to share it later. The goal is to give yourself a space to express what's on your mind or in your heart. I'll be walking around if anyone wants to talk or needs anything, but mostly, this is your quiet time to create."

(Distribute Grief Expression Activity Sheet and art supplies. Allow 15 minutes for the activity. Play soft, calming instrumental music if appropriate for the classroom environment. Circulate silently to offer support.)

4. Introduce Coping Skills (8 minutes)

(Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Alright, let's bring our attention back together. I hope that activity gave you a chance to express some of what you're holding. Grief can be incredibly tough, and it's important to remember that there are healthy ways to manage our feelings and take care of ourselves during this time. These are called coping skills."

"I'm going to give you a Coping Skills Handout now. This sheet lists many different strategies that can help when you're feeling sad, overwhelmed, or stressed. It's not a one-size-fits-all, so what works for one person might not work for another."

*(Distribute Coping Skills Handout.)

"Take a look at the list. What are some of these skills that you already use when you're feeling down or stressed? Or, is there one on the list that you'd like to try out?"

(Allow 3-4 minutes for discussion. Encourage sharing, but keep it voluntary.)

5. Closing Game: Uno (Grief-Themed) (5 minutes)

(Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"To close our session today, we're going to play a quick game of Uno. We're going to add a little twist to it. When you play a 'Wild Card' or a 'Reverse Card,' if you feel comfortable, I invite you to share one positive memory of our classmate/friend, OR one thing you appreciate about your friends or your support system – the people who are there for you."

"This is a chance to connect, share some lighter memories, and remind ourselves of the good things and the support we have. Let's keep the mood positive and supportive as we play."

(Start playing Uno. Keep the game brief, focusing on the sharing aspect. Ensure everyone has a chance to participate if they wish. If time runs out, gently transition to the closing message.)

6. Remember: You Are Not Alone (Optional / If time allows - Transition to Healing Hearts Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"Grief takes time, and it's truly a journey, not a destination. Some days will be harder than others, and that's perfectly normal. Please remember that it's always okay to ask for help. If you're struggling, talk to a trusted adult, a family member, a teacher, or a school counselor. You have support here, and you are never alone."

"Thank you all for your honesty, your bravery, and your participation today. I appreciate you creating this safe space together."

Emotions Scale Worksheet: Understanding My Feelings

Instructions: Think about the loss of your classmate/friend. For each emotion below, circle the number that best describes how strongly you are feeling it RIGHT NOW.

1 = Not at all | 2 = A little | 3 = Moderately | 4 = Strongly | 5 = Very Strongly

My Emotions Right Now:

1. Sadness:              1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
2. Anger:                  1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
3. Confusion:             1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
4. Numbness:            1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
5. Anxiety/Worry:       1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
6. Guilt/Regret:          1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
7. Loneliness:            1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
8. Helplessness:         1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
9. Relief (from pain, worry, etc.):     1     2     3     4     5
   
   
   
10. Acceptance:          1     2     3     4     5
    
    
    

Reflect and Add Your Own:

Are there any other feelings you are experiencing that aren't on this list? Write them down and rate them (1-5).

What did you notice about your emotions today?

Grief Expression Activity: My Thoughts, My Feelings

Instructions: This is your space to express your feelings and memories about the loss of our classmate/friend. You can choose ONE of the following options:

Option 1: Draw Your Feelings or Memories

Use this space to draw something that represents:

• How you are feeling.
• A positive memory you have of your classmate/friend.
• Something that brings you comfort or hope.

There is no right or wrong way to draw. Just express yourself freely.

Option 2: Write a Narrative or Letter

Use this space to write:

• A letter to your classmate/friend, sharing what you would want them to know.
• A short story or narrative about a meaningful memory you have with them.
• A reflection on your feelings and thoughts since the loss.

Write whatever comes to mind. There are no grammar or spelling grades here – just honest expression.

Remember: This activity is for your personal reflection. You do not have to share it unless you choose to.

Coping Skills: Healthy Ways to Manage Grief

When you're grieving, it's normal to feel a lot of intense emotions. Learning healthy coping skills can help you manage these feelings and take care of yourself. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so it's good to try different things to see what helps you.

Here are some healthy coping skills you can try:

Connect with Others

• Talk to a trusted adult: Share your feelings with a parent, guardian, teacher, counselor, or another adult you trust.
• Spend time with friends: Lean on your friends for support. Talk, listen to music, or do an activity together.
• Join a support group: Sometimes, talking to others who have experienced similar losses can be very helpful.
• Help others: Doing something kind for someone else can sometimes make you feel better too.

Express Your Feelings

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and memories in a notebook.
• Creative expression: Draw, paint, listen to music, play an instrument, or write songs/poems to express what you're feeling.
• Talk it out: Don't keep your feelings bottled up. Even just saying "I feel sad today" can help.

Take Care of Your Body

• Get enough sleep: Grief can be exhausting. Make sure you're resting when you need to.
• Eat healthy meals: Fuel your body with good food, even if you don't feel like eating much.
• Stay active: Exercise, play sports, go for a walk, or ride your bike. Physical activity can help reduce stress.
• Spend time in nature: Being outdoors can be calming and help clear your head.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

• Deep breathing: When you feel overwhelmed, take slow, deep breaths to calm your body.
• Listen to calming music: Create a playlist of songs that help you relax.
• Spend quiet time: Read a book, meditate for a few minutes, or just sit quietly.
• Engage in hobbies: Do things you enjoy, like playing video games, building models, or anything that helps you feel engaged and distracted in a positive way.

Remember and Honor

• Create a memory box: Collect items that remind you of your classmate/friend.
• Look at photos: Reminisce about positive memories.
• Talk about them: Share stories and positive memories with others.

Important: If you feel like your grief is too much to handle, or if you're struggling to cope, please reach out for help. Talk to a parent, a school counselor, or another trusted adult. You don't have to go through this alone.