Lesson Plan
Grief Support Lesson Plan
Guide ninth graders through a confidential 30-minute one-on-one session to identify grief needs, set personalized self-care strategies, and map a reliable support network.
Helps students returning after a close loss feel heard, gain coping tools, and establish connections that foster emotional resilience and well-being.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes one-on-one session
Approach
Guided reflection and planning using worksheets and dialogue.
Materials
Self-Care Worksheet, Support Network Planner, Grief Reflection Prompts, and Comfortable Private Space
Prep
Review Materials & Setup
5 minutes
- Review each digital handout: Self-Care Worksheet, Support Network Planner, Grief Reflection Prompts
- Print or prepare digital copies for the session
- Arrange a quiet, comfortable space ensuring confidentiality
- Familiarize yourself with the session flow and objectives
Step 1
Welcome & Session Overview
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and thank them for attending
- Explain session goals: understanding emotions, planning self-care, building support
- Emphasize confidentiality and safe space for honest sharing
- Ask if they have any immediate concerns before starting
Step 2
Grief Reflection
10 minutes
- Distribute Grief Reflection Prompts
- Invite the student to reflect verbally or jot down thoughts on prompts like “What emotions am I experiencing?”
- Listen actively; validate their feelings and note key themes
- Encourage openness and reassure that all emotions are normal
Step 3
Self-Care Strategy Development
8 minutes
- Introduce the Self-Care Worksheet
- Guide the student to select 2–3 realistic self-care activities (e.g., journaling, walking)
- Discuss when and how they can practice each activity during the school week
- Help set simple goals (e.g., journaling for 5 minutes daily)
Step 4
Support Network Mapping
5 minutes
- Present the Support Network Planner
- Ask the student to list trusted individuals (family, friends, staff)
- Discuss how and when they can reach out to each person
- Identify available school resources (counselor, teacher check-ins)
Step 5
Next Steps & Follow-Up
2 minutes
- Summarize the student’s self-care strategies and support contacts
- Schedule a follow-up check-in date/time
- Provide counselor contact info for urgent needs
- Encourage the student and affirm your ongoing support
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Worksheet
Self-Care Worksheet
Name: __________________________ Date: ______________
- How are you feeling right now?
- List up to five self-care activities that help you feel calm, supported, or renewed:
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- __________________________
- __________________________
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- __________________________
- __________________________
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- __________________________
- __________________________
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- __________________________
- __________________________
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- __________________________
- __________________________
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- Choose two activities from your list above to focus on this week. For each activity, plan when and how you will do it:Activity 1: __________________________
When will you do it? __________________________
How long will you spend? __________________________
Activity 2: __________________________
When will you do it? __________________________
How long will you spend? __________________________ - What strategies can you use to remind yourself and stay committed? (e.g., phone alarms, notes, buddy check-ins)
- At the end of the week, reflect on how these activities affected you:How do you feel after practicing your self-care? What changes have you noticed in your mood or energy?
Worksheet
Support Network Planner
Name: __________________________ Date: ______________
- Your Trusted Contacts: List up to five people you feel comfortable talking to about your feelings. For each, include their name, relationship to you, and how they support you.
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- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
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- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
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- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
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- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
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- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
- Name: __________________________ Relationship: __________________ Support: __________________________
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- Reaching Out Plan: Choose two contacts from above. For each, decide how and when you will reach out this week.
Contact 1: __________________________
Method (call, text, in person): __________________________
When (day/time): __________________________
Contact 2: __________________________
Method (call, text, in person): __________________________
When (day/time): __________________________ - School-Based Resources: Identify at least two adults or groups at school you can turn to for support (e.g., counselor, teacher, support group).
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- Resource: __________________________ Role/Service: __________________________
- Resource: __________________________ Role/Service: __________________________
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- Resource: __________________________ Role/Service: __________________________
- Resource: __________________________ Role/Service: __________________________
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- Access Plan for School Resources: For each resource above, describe how you will connect and when.
- Resource: __________________________
How I will reach out (email, drop-in, scheduled meeting): __________________________
When: __________________________
- Resource: __________________________
- Recognizing the Need for Support: List feelings or signs that will remind you it’s time to reach out to someone.
- Reflection Plan: After you’ve contacted your support network, reflect on the experience. What felt helpful? What might you do differently next time?
Reading
Grief Reflection Prompts
Use these questions to explore and name your feelings. You may write or talk through your thoughts—there are no right or wrong answers.
- What emotions are you experiencing right now when you think about your loss?
- When during the day or in what situations do these feelings tend to come up most strongly?
- Are there particular memories or moments with your loved one that stand out to you—either comforting or painful? Describe one or two.
- Who or what brings you comfort when you feel overwhelmed by grief?
- What do you wish people around you understood about what you’re going through?
- In what ways would you like to honor or remember your loved one as you return to school?
Slide Deck
Path to Healing
30-Minute One-on-One Grief Planning Session
Counselor-led support to identify needs, build self-care strategies, and map a support network.
Welcome the student warmly. Introduce yourself and thank them for joining the session. Explain that this time is for them to share and plan, and reassure them that everything discussed is confidential.
Session Objectives
• Identify and name current emotions around your loss
• Develop realistic self-care strategies to practice weekly
• Map a trusted support network at home and school
Outline the three core goals. Speak slowly and check for understanding after each point. Emphasize that these objectives guide the session.
Confidentiality & Safe Space
• This session is private and confidential
• You control what and how much you share
• All feelings are valid—there are no right or wrong answers
• You can take breaks or skip prompts at any time
Reassure confidentiality. Establish a safe environment by inviting questions. Remind them they can pause or skip questions if they feel uncomfortable.
Grief Reflection (10 min)
- Distribute Grief Reflection Prompts
- Invite reflection on questions like:
• What emotions are you feeling?
• When do these feelings come up most? - Listen, validate, and note key themes
Hand out the Grief Reflection Prompts worksheet. Give the student 5–7 minutes to write or talk through one prompt. Listen actively and validate their experiences.
Self-Care Strategy Development (8 min)
- Provide Self-Care Worksheet
- List calming or renewing activities (journaling, walking, art)
- Select 2 activities and plan:
• When during the week
• How long each time - Choose reminders (alarms, notes, buddy checks)
Introduce the Self-Care Worksheet. Help the student choose two activities and set straightforward goals. Encourage use of reminders and accountability.
Support Network Mapping (5 min)
- Share Support Network Planner
- List up to five trusted individuals and how they support you
- Plan outreach for two contacts (method & timing)
- Identify school resources and access plans
Present the Support Network Planner. Guide the student to list trusted contacts and school-based resources. Clarify when and how they’ll reach out.
Next Steps & Follow-Up (2 min)
• Review chosen self-care activities and outreach plan
• Agree on a follow-up check-in date/time
• Provide counselor contact information for immediate support
• Affirm ongoing partnership and encouragement
Summarize the plan, confirm the follow-up date, and share your contact info for urgent needs. Offer positive reinforcement and encouragement.