Healing Hearts: Navigating Grief Together

cjones2

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts: Understanding Grief - Week 1

Students will be able to identify and begin to understand different feelings associated with grief.

Understanding that grief is a normal process with many feelings helps students feel less alone and provides a foundation for healthy coping.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, story, and drawing to explore feelings.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper, Markers/Crayons, Week 1 Slide Deck, and Week 1 Activity: My Feeling Cloud

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Week 1 Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Prepare small whiteboards or paper and markers/crayons for each student.
- Print copies of the Week 1 Activity: My Feeling Cloud.
- Ensure a comfortable and private setting for the group session.

Step 1

Welcome and Check-in

5 minutes

Welcome students to the group.
- Briefly introduce the idea that sometimes we feel sad when someone or something we love is gone, and that's okay.
- Ask students to share one word about how they are feeling today (e.g., happy, calm, tired).

Step 2

What is Grief?

10 minutes

Use the Week 1 Slide Deck to introduce the concept of grief.
- Explain that grief is a mix of feelings we have when we lose someone or something important to us (a person, a pet, a special toy, moving to a new home).
- Emphasize that all feelings are okay when we are grieving: sadness, anger, confusion, even happiness when remembering good times.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using open-ended questions like: 'What are some feelings you know?' 'Have you ever felt sad when something changed?'

Step 3

My Feeling Cloud Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Week 1 Activity: My Feeling Cloud and markers/crayons.
- Explain that feelings can sometimes feel big and cloudy, and we can draw or write about them.
- Instruct students to draw or write one or two feelings they might feel when something sad happens inside the cloud.
- Encourage them to use colors that match their feelings if they like.
- Circulate and offer support and gentle prompts if needed.

Step 4

Share and Wrap-up

5 minutes

Invite students who feel comfortable to briefly share their feeling clouds or one feeling they drew.
- Reiterate that it's okay to have all these feelings.
- Thank students for sharing and remind them they are not alone. Reassure them that we will continue to talk about these important feelings next time.

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Slide Deck

Healing Hearts: Understanding Grief

Welcome to our special time together. Today, we're going to start talking about feelings that come when something sad happens, like when we lose someone or something important to us. It's okay to have all sorts of feelings, and we're here to understand them together.

Welcome students warmly. Explain that this is a safe space to talk about feelings. Introduce the lesson's title and purpose.

What is Grief?

Grief is all the feelings we have inside when we lose someone or something important to us.

It can be when:

A special person is gone.
A pet dies.
A favorite toy breaks.
We move to a new house.

These changes can make our hearts feel lots of things.

Explain grief in simple, age-appropriate terms. Use examples like losing a pet, a loved one, or even a favorite toy. Emphasize that it's a natural response to loss.

Big Feelings, Little Feelings

When we grieve, our hearts can feel many things. All these feelings are okay!

What feelings do you know?

Sadness 😢
Anger 😠
Confusion 🤔
Worry 😟
Sometimes even happy memories 😊

It's like a big mix of feelings inside us.

Discuss various feelings. Encourage students to name feelings they know. Validate all emotions, even those that might seem 'bad' like anger or frustration.

My Feeling Cloud

Sometimes feelings can feel big, like a cloud in the sky.

Today, we will draw or write our feelings in a special cloud.

What feelings might be in your cloud today?

Introduce the idea of feelings being like clouds that pass. Explain the activity: drawing or writing feelings in a cloud. Reassure them there's no right or wrong way to feel.

It's Okay to Feel

It's brave to talk about our feelings.

Remember:

All feelings are okay.
You are not alone.
We will keep talking and learning together.

Remind students that talking about feelings helps. Thank them for being brave and sharing. Look forward to the next session.

Activity

My Feeling Cloud

Sometimes when things change or someone goes away, we have many feelings inside. It's okay to feel all sorts of things! Think about your feelings.

Draw or write some feelings you might have inside your cloud. You can use different colors too!

Remember:

All your feelings are okay.
You are not alone.

Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts: Expressing Feelings - Week 2

Students will learn and practice safe ways to express their feelings related to grief.

Learning to express feelings in healthy ways prevents bottling up emotions and promotes emotional well-being.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, story, and drawing/writing to practice expressing emotions.

Materials

Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Week 2 Slide Deck, and Week 2 Activity: My Feeling Thermometer

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Week 2 Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
- Print copies of the Week 2 Activity: My Feeling Thermometer.
- Ensure a comfortable and private setting for the group session.

Step 1

Welcome and Check-in

5 minutes

Welcome students back to the group.
- Briefly recap last week: We learned that grief is all the feelings we have when someone or something important is gone, and all feelings are okay.
- Ask students to share one way they expressed a feeling this past week (e.g., told someone they were happy, drew a picture when they were sad).

Step 2

How Can We Show Our Feelings?

10 minutes

Use the Week 2 Slide Deck to discuss different ways to express feelings.
- Brainstorm together: What are some safe ways we can show how we feel? (e.g., talking to a grown-up, drawing, writing, playing, listening to music, deep breaths).
- Emphasize that it's important to choose ways that don't hurt ourselves or others.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts like: 'Who is a grown-up you can talk to?' 'What helps you feel a little bit better when you are sad or angry?'

Step 3

My Feeling Thermometer Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Week 2 Activity: My Feeling Thermometer and crayons/markers.
- Explain that a thermometer helps us know how hot or cold it is, and a feeling thermometer can help us know how big our feelings are.
- Instruct students to draw or write a feeling they might have and then color how 'big' that feeling feels on their thermometer.
- Encourage them to think about how they show that feeling when it's big or small.

Step 4

Share and Wrap-up

5 minutes

Invite students who feel comfortable to share their feeling thermometers.
- Reiterate the importance of expressing feelings and that there are many healthy ways to do so.
- Thank students for sharing and remind them that practicing these ways will help their hearts heal.

Slide Deck

Healing Hearts: Expressing Feelings

Welcome back, brave hearts!

Last week, we learned that grief is all the feelings we have when someone or something important is gone. And guess what? All those feelings are okay!

Can anyone share one way they showed or felt a feeling this past week?

Welcome students back. Briefly recap the concept of grief and that all feelings are okay. Ask for examples of how they felt or expressed a feeling last week.

Feelings Are Like Messages

Our feelings are like little messages from our hearts.

What happens if you have an important message but don't tell anyone?

It's important to share our feelings so we don't keep them all inside.

Introduce the idea that feelings are like messages. Ask students what happens if we don't share our messages. Emphasize that expressing feelings is healthy.

Ways to Show Our Feelings

How can we safely show our feelings?

Talk to a trusted grown-up (parent, teacher, counselor).
Draw a picture of how you feel.
Write about it in a journal.
Play outside or do something you enjoy.
Listen to calm music.
Take a few deep breaths.

What other ways can you think of?

Brainstorm and list various healthy ways to express feelings. Encourage student input. Guide them to focus on safe and constructive methods.

My Feeling Thermometer

Sometimes our feelings are small, and sometimes they feel really BIG!

We can use a 'Feeling Thermometer' to help us understand how big our feelings are.

When a feeling is big, how do you show it? When it's small, how do you show it?

Introduce the 'Feeling Thermometer' concept. Explain how it helps to understand the intensity of feelings. Prepare them for the activity.

Let Your Feelings Out!

Remember, letting your feelings out in a safe way helps your heart.

It helps you understand yourself.
It helps others understand you.
It helps your heart feel a little lighter.

Keep practicing these ways!

Reiterate the main takeaway: expressing feelings is good and helps our hearts. Thank them for participating and encourage continued practice.

Activity

My Feeling Thermometer

Just like a thermometer tells us how hot or cold it is, a feeling thermometer can help us think about how big our feelings are!

Draw or write a feeling you have in the box below.
Color in your thermometer to show how big that feeling feels inside you right now. (More color = bigger feeling!)
Think about: How do you show that feeling when it's big? How do you show it when it's small?

My Feeling:

How Big Is My Feeling?

(Write or draw ways you show this feeling here)

---Highest Feeling---

---Lowest Feeling---

Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts: Remembering and Honoring - Week 3

Students will explore and practice ways to remember and honor those they have lost.

Remembering and honoring loved ones helps students maintain a connection, fostering healing and reducing feelings of abandonment.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, shared memories, and a creative activity to honor special connections.

Materials

Small paper slips or sticky notes, Pens/Pencils, A jar or container for the memory jar, Week 3 Slide Deck, and Week 3 Activity: My Memory Star

Prep

Review Materials and Set Up

10 minutes

Review the Week 3 Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Gather small paper slips or sticky notes and pens/pencils for each student.
- Prepare a jar or container to serve as the

Step 1

Welcome and Check-in

5 minutes

Welcome students back to the group.
- Briefly recap: Last week we talked about many ways to show our feelings, like talking or drawing.
- Ask students to share one positive memory or something they did this week that made them smile.

Step 2

Why Do We Remember?

10 minutes

Use the Week 3 Slide Deck to introduce the idea of remembering and honoring.
- Explain that even when someone is gone, the love we have for them stays in our hearts. We can remember them in special ways.
- Discuss different ways people remember: looking at photos, telling stories, visiting a special place, creating something.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts like: 'What are some special memories you have with someone you love?' 'How do you keep memories alive?'

Step 3

My Memory Star Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Week 3 Activity: My Memory Star and crayons/markers.
- Explain that each point of the star can hold a special memory, a feeling, or a way they remember someone.
- Instruct students to draw or write special memories they have, or ways they like to remember.
- Encourage them to think about what made that person or thing special.

Step 4

Share and Wrap-up

5 minutes

Invite students who feel comfortable to share a part of their memory star.
- Emphasize that memories keep our loved ones close in our hearts.
- Thank students for sharing and remind them that it's good to keep remembering the good times.

Slide Deck

Healing Hearts: Remembering and Honoring

Welcome back! Last week, we talked about all the different ways we can show our feelings. It's so good to let them out!

Can anyone share a positive memory or something that made them smile this week?

Welcome students back. Briefly recap expressing feelings and ask for an example of a positive memory.

Love Stays in Our Hearts

Even when someone we love is not with us anymore, the love we feel for them stays right here in our hearts.

Our memories are like treasures we keep safe inside.

Explain that even when someone is gone, the love stays. Introduce the idea of remembering special connections.

Special Ways to Remember

How can we keep our special memories alive and honor those we miss?

Look at old photos.
Tell funny or sweet stories.
Visit a special place they loved.
Draw a picture or write a letter to them.
Do something they enjoyed doing.

What are some ways you like to remember?

Discuss different ways people remember. Encourage students to share their own ideas.

My Memory Star

Today, we're going to make a 'Memory Star'. Each point of our star can hold a special memory, a feeling about someone, or a way you like to remember them.

Think about what made that person or thing so special.

Introduce the 'Memory Star' activity. Explain how each point can hold a memory or a way to remember.

Keep Your Memories Close

Our memories are like guiding stars that help us feel connected and loved.

Remembering the good times helps our hearts feel warm and strong.

Keep holding those special memories close!

Reinforce the importance of memories for healing. Thank students and encourage them to continue remembering.

Activity

My Memory Star

Our special memories are like shining stars that light up our hearts! Think about someone or something special you miss.

In each point of the star below, draw or write a special memory, a feeling about them, or a way you like to remember them.

(Imagine a large star shape here for students to fill in)

My Star Remembers:

A happy time we shared:
Something they taught me:
How I feel when I think of them:
A special place we went:
A way I keep their memory alive:

Remember: These memories are yours to keep forever.

Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts: Coping and Support - Week 4

Students will identify healthy coping strategies and recognize their support system.

Empowering students with coping skills and a strong support network helps them navigate grief and build resilience.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, role-playing, and an art activity to practice coping and identify support.

Materials

Construction paper, Crayons/Markers, Week 4 Slide Deck, and Week 4 Activity: My Support Web

Prep

Review Materials and Set Up

10 minutes

Review the Week 4 Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
Gather construction paper, crayons/markers for each student.
Print copies of the Week 4 Activity: My Support Web.
Ensure a comfortable and private setting for the group session.

Step 1

Welcome and Check-in

5 minutes

Welcome students back to the group.
Briefly recap: We talked about how grief is many feelings, how to express them, and how to remember special people/things.
Ask students to share one way they felt strong or brave this past week.

Step 2

Coping Strategies

10 minutes

Use the Week 4 Slide Deck to introduce coping strategies.
Explain that coping strategies are things we do to help ourselves feel a little better when we are sad, angry, or worried.
Brainstorm simple coping strategies: taking deep breaths, drawing, listening to music, talking to a grown-up, playing outside, reading a book.
Facilitate a brief discussion: 'What helps you feel calm or happy when you're having a big feeling?'

Step 3

My Support Web Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Week 4 Activity: My Support Web and crayons/markers.
Explain that a support web shows all the people who love and care for us, and who we can talk to when we need help.
Instruct students to draw or write the names of people in their support web (family, friends, teachers, etc.).
Encourage them to think about who makes them feel safe and loved.

Step 4

Share and Wrap-up

5 minutes

Invite students who feel comfortable to share a person from their support web and how that person helps them.
Emphasize that it's okay to ask for help and that there are many people who care about them.
Thank students for their participation throughout the sessions and congratulate them on their bravery. Reassure them that they can continue to use the strategies they've learned.

Slide Deck

Healing Hearts: Coping and Support

Welcome back, amazing friends!

We've learned so much together:

That grief is many feelings, and all feelings are okay.
How to show our feelings in safe ways.
How to remember and keep special people close in our hearts.

Can you share one way you felt strong or brave this week?

Welcome students back. Briefly recap the previous weeks: understanding feelings, expressing feelings, and remembering. Ask them to share something that made them feel strong or brave.

Helpful Ways to Cope

When we have big feelings, it helps to have ways to feel a little better. These are called coping strategies!

What helps you when you feel sad, angry, or worried?

Take deep breaths 🌬️
Draw or color 🎨
Listen to calm music 🎶
Talk to a trusted grown-up 🗣️
Play outside ⛹️
Read a favorite book 📖

These are like tools in our coping toolbox!

Introduce the idea of 'coping strategies' as tools to help ourselves feel better. Brainstorm with students simple, healthy ways to cope.

Who Helps You Feel Safe and Loved?

You don't have to carry your feelings all by yourself!

We all have special people who love us and want to help. This is your support web!

Who are the people in your support web?

Family (parents, grandparents, siblings) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Friends 👫
Teachers 🍎
Other trusted grown-ups (aunt, uncle, coach) 🤗

It's okay to ask for help when you need it!

Explain the concept of a support system. Show examples of different people who can be part of their support web. Emphasize that it's okay and important to ask for help.

My Support Web Activity

Today, we will draw our own Support Web.

In the middle, you are the spider! Around you, draw or write the names of the people who help you feel safe, loved, and supported.

Think about all the people who care about you!

Introduce the 'My Support Web' activity. Guide students to think about the people who support them.

You Are Strong and Not Alone!

You are so brave for talking about your feelings and learning new ways to help your heart.

Remember:

You have feelings, and that's okay.
You can express your feelings safely.
You can remember your loved ones.
You have people who care about you and will help you.

Keep using your coping tools and leaning on your support web!

Congratulate students on their journey. Reiterate that they are brave and have learned valuable tools. End on a hopeful and supportive note.

Activity

My Support Web

Imagine you are a little spider in the middle of a strong, caring web! This web is made of all the people who love you and help you feel safe and happy.

In the middle circle, write or draw YOU.

Then, in the other circles, draw or write the names of the special people in your life who you can talk to when you need help or when you have big feelings. These could be your family, friends, teachers, or other trusted grown-ups!

My Support Team:

Who makes you feel loved?
Who do you like to talk to?
Who helps you when you have a problem?

Remember: You are never alone! Your support web is always there for you.