Teacher Script: Navigating Grief

Slide 1: Healing Hearts: Coping with Loss

"Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something that is a very natural, but often difficult, part of life: grief and loss. My goal for today is to create a safe and understanding space where we can learn together. There are no right or wrong answers, and everyone's experience is unique and valid. We're going to explore what loss means, how we feel when we grieve, and some healthy ways to cope."

Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind? (5 minutes)

"To start, I've handed out a short warm-up activity called Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?. At the top, you'll see the words 'Grief' and 'Loss.' I'd like you to take about 2-3 minutes to quietly write down any words or phrases that come to your mind when you hear those terms. Don't overthink it; just jot down your initial thoughts and feelings. There's no need to share anything you don't want to."

(Allow time for students to write. After a few minutes, invite voluntary sharing.)

"Thank you for engaging with that. Would anyone like to share one or two words they wrote down?" (Acknowledge and validate responses, e.g., "Thank you for sharing, 'sadness' is a very common feeling when experiencing loss." or "'Empty' is a powerful word. I appreciate you sharing that.") "As you can see, there are many different responses, and all of them are valid."

Slide 2: What is Loss? (8 minutes - Part 1)

"Let's start by defining loss. Take a look at the slide. Loss is simply the experience of no longer having something or someone important to you. When we think of loss, we often think immediately of death, and while that is certainly a profound type of loss, it's not the only kind. Can you think of other things we might 'lose' that aren't about someone dying?"

(Wait for responses, guide them if needed to the examples on the slide or other appropriate ones.)

"Exactly! As you can see on the slide, loss can include things like a pet dying, which can be incredibly painful. It can also be moving to a new city or school, which means leaving behind friends and familiar places. Friendships can change or end, which is also a type of loss. Even losing a cherished item, like a favorite toy or a family heirloom, can feel like a loss. Sometimes it's the loss of a dream or expectation, like if you really wanted to achieve something and it didn't work out. It's important to recognize that loss comes in many forms, big and small, and all of them can impact us."

Slide 3: What is Grief? (8 minutes - Part 2)

"So, if loss is the event, then grief is our natural response to that loss. Grief is the emotional, physical, and mental reactions we have when something important is taken away from us. It's how we feel inside and how those feelings show up in our bodies and minds."

"Look at some of the common feelings listed on the slide: sadness, anger, confusion, numbness, guilt, anxiety, tiredness. Have any of you ever felt some of these when something difficult happened?"

(Allow for a few voluntary shares or observations. Reiterate the validation of feelings.)

"It's really important to remember that there is no 'right' way to grieve. Everyone's experience is different, and all feelings are valid. You might feel one way one day, and a totally different way the next. That's normal. Grief is a process, not a single event."

Slide 4: Healthy Coping Strategies (7 minutes)

"Now, let's talk about something really important: how we cope with these feelings. When we experience grief, it's crucial to have healthy ways to deal with our emotions, rather than bottling them up or using unhelpful strategies. Coping strategies are like tools in a toolbox that help us manage tough times."

"Let's look at some examples on the slide. Talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, guardian, teacher, or counselor, is a really important one. They can offer support, listen without judgment, and help you understand what you're going through. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can also be incredibly helpful – it allows you to process emotions privately."

"Engaging in hobbies you enjoy, like drawing, playing an instrument, or reading, can provide a healthy distraction and a sense of normalcy. Physical activity, whether it's playing sports, going for a walk, or even just stretching, can help release pent-up energy and stress. Spending time in nature, listening to music, and getting enough rest are also wonderful ways to take care of yourself."

"And finally, practicing mindfulness or meditation, even for just a few minutes, can help you stay grounded and calm. The key is to find what works for you. What helps one person might not help another. The goal is to find healthy ways to acknowledge and navigate your feelings."

Discussion: Sharing Our Stories (Optional/Time Permitting - 5 minutes)

"If we have time, or if you feel comfortable, we can have a brief discussion. I have some prompts on the Discussion Guide: Sharing Our Stories (Optional). Please remember to be respectful and empathetic if anyone chooses to share. If you'd prefer not to share, that is perfectly okay. You can also use this time for silent reflection or jotting down your thoughts in your journal."

(Use prompts like: "What is one healthy coping strategy you already use?" or "Why is it important to talk about our feelings when we are grieving?" if facilitating discussion.)

Slide 5: Building Your Coping Toolkit (5 minutes)

"To wrap up our lesson today, I've handed out a Cool-Down: My Coping Toolkit worksheet. On this sheet, I'd like you to identify one coping strategy we discussed today that you might try, or one you already use and how you might apply it in the future. This is a chance for you to think about how you can build your own personal 'coping toolkit.'"

"Please take a few minutes to complete this. When you're done, you can hand it in as an exit ticket. Thank you all for your thoughtful participation and for creating a supportive environment today. Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and it's brave to seek healthy ways to cope."

Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?

Instructions: When you hear the words "grief" or "loss," what are the first 2-3 words or phrases that come to your mind? Write them down below. There are no right or wrong answers.

Grief:

Loss:

Bonus Question: Why do you think it's important to talk about these feelings?

My Grief Toolkit Activity

Instructions: Think about the healthy coping strategies we discussed today. In the space below, create your own personal "Grief Toolkit" by drawing or listing at least three strategies you would use to help yourself or a friend cope with loss.

My Grief Toolkit:

(Students can draw or write in this space.)

Explain why you chose these specific tools for your toolkit:

How might you use one of these tools this week, even if you are not experiencing a loss?

Discussion Guide: Sharing Our Stories (Optional)

Instructions: Use these prompts to facilitate a respectful and empathetic class discussion. Remind students that sharing is optional and all feelings are valid.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What is one healthy coping strategy you already use when you're feeling sad or upset? (It doesn't have to be related to grief specifically.)
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's important to acknowledge and talk about our feelings when we experience a loss, rather than keeping them to ourselves?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How can we support a friend or family member who might be going through a loss?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What is one new coping strategy you heard about today that you might consider trying in the future?
   
   
   
   

Remember to listen actively and respond with kindness and understanding.

Cool-Down: My Coping Toolkit

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson. Write down one coping strategy you learned or already use, and explain how you might apply it to support yourself or others during a difficult time.

My Coping Strategy:

How I Might Apply It:

What is one thing you will remember from today's lesson about grief and loss?