My Story About Loss

Sometimes we feel sad or have special memories when someone or something we love is no longer with us. This is a space for you to share your story.

1. Draw a picture of a special memory or feeling you have.

2. If you want, you can write a few words about your drawing or memory here.

Discussion Guide: Ida, Always

Use these questions to facilitate a discussion after reading the book Ida, Always.

1. How did Ida feel when Gus was sick? How do you know?
   
   
   
   
2. What helped Gus feel better during his last days?
   
   
   
   
3. How did Ida show her love for Gus?
   
   
   
   
4. After Gus was gone, how did Ida feel? Was it okay to feel that way?
   
   
   
   
5. What did Ida do to help herself when she missed Gus?
   
   
   
   
6. Do you think it's important to remember those we miss? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   

Discussion Guide: Grief & Loss for Kids (Dougy Center Animation)

Use these questions to facilitate a discussion after watching the video "Grief & Loss for Kids."

1. What are some feelings the children in the video talked about when someone they loved died?
   
   
   
   
2. Did you see that everyone feels grief in the same way, or differently?
   
   
   
   
3. What are some things the children did in the video to help them feel better or remember their loved ones?
   
   
   
   
4. The video mentioned that it's okay to talk about our feelings. Who are some people you can talk to if you're feeling sad or missing someone?
   
   
   
   
5. What was one important thing you learned from this video?
   
   
   
   

Talking Stick: Sharing Our Memories and Feelings

This activity creates a safe and structured way for students to share their feelings and memories related to loss.

Materials:

• One designated "Talking Stick" (can be any object: a decorated stick, a soft toy, a special stone).

Instructions:

1. Introduce the Talking Stick: Hold up the talking stick and explain its purpose. "When you hold the Talking Stick, it's your turn to share. Everyone else listens quietly and respectfully until the stick is passed to them. You can share a memory, a feeling, or something important about someone or something you miss. It's okay if you don't want to share; you can just say 'pass' and gently hand the stick to the next person."

2. Model Sharing: The teacher should go first to model appropriate sharing. Keep it simple and age-appropriate. Example: "When I hold the talking stick, I remember my childhood pet dog, Sparky, and how much I loved playing fetch with him. Sometimes I still miss him."

3. Start the Circle: Gently pass the Talking Stick to the student next to you. Encourage them to hold it, think for a moment, and then share if they wish.

4. Facilitate and Support:

   • Ensure all students are listening respectfully.
   • Remind students it's okay to pass.
   • Offer quiet encouragement if a student seems hesitant.
   • Keep the atmosphere calm and supportive.

5. Wrap-Up: Once the stick has gone around the circle, thank everyone for their bravery and for sharing their special memories and feelings. Reiterate that sharing helps us feel less alone and helps us remember the good times.

The Rainbow Bridge Coloring Page

This activity is a calm and creative way for students to reflect on memories of beloved pets or people. The idea of a "Rainbow Bridge" is a common metaphor for a place where pets go after they pass away, waiting for their loved ones. This can be adapted to be a symbolic place for anyone they miss.

Materials:

• Printed copies of the Rainbow Bridge Coloring Page (template below).
• Crayons, colored pencils, or markers.

Instructions:

1. Introduce the Rainbow Bridge: Explain to students, "Sometimes, when we miss someone very much, like a special pet or even a person, we can imagine a beautiful place where they are. Some people call this a 'Rainbow Bridge' for pets, a place full of love and happy memories. Today, we're going to color our own Rainbow Bridge."

2. Distribute Materials: Hand out the coloring pages and art supplies.

3. Encourage Reflection: As students color, encourage them to think about their happy memories. You might say, "As you color, think about a happy time you had with someone you miss. What colors remind you of them?"

4. Optional Sharing (if time allows and students are willing): If appropriate, invite students to share their completed coloring pages and briefly explain what they colored or what memory they thought about. Remind them that it's okay if they just want to keep their artwork private.

Rainbow Bridge Coloring Page Template

          _.-'~~~~~~~~'-._
        .'                 '.
       /                     \
      |    R A I N B O W    |
      |      B R I D G E      |
       \                     /
        '-.               .-'
           `'-._     _.-'`
                `~~~`

     _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _  _
   / \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \
  |                                       |
  |     Draw or Write a Happy Memory      |
  |        with someone you miss!         |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
  |                                       |
   \_/

(Teacher Note: You may want to find a more visually appealing pre-made Rainbow Bridge coloring page online and print it, or create a simple drawing of a rainbow bridge with a blank space for students to draw/write.)

My Grief Journey Project: A Memory Box

This project allows students to create a personal "Memory Box" to honor and remember someone or something they have lost. It's a creative and reflective process that can be worked on over several days or weeks.

Project Objective:

To create a personal memory box filled with items, drawings, or writings that represent happy memories and feelings about someone or something they miss.

Materials:

• A small shoebox or other decorative box for each student.
• Art supplies: construction paper, markers, crayons, glue, glitter, fabric scraps, pictures (optional, with parent permission).
• Optional: small items that remind them of their loved one (e.g., a smooth stone, a feather, a small toy).

Instructions:

Part 1: Decorating Your Memory Box (In Class/At Home)

1. Choose Your Box: Each student will receive a box that will become their special Memory Box.
2. Decorate the Outside: Students will decorate the outside of their box. Encourage them to use colors, drawings, and designs that remind them of happy memories or feelings associated with the person or thing they miss. This is a personal space, so there's no right or wrong way to decorate.
   • Teacher Tip: Provide examples of decorated boxes or images for inspiration.

Part 2: Filling Your Memory Box (At Home/Over Time)

1. Gather Memories: Students will think about happy memories with the person or thing they miss.
2. Add Items: Encourage students to find small items that remind them of these memories. This could be:
   • A drawing they made.
   • A small toy.
   • A smooth stone they found on a walk.
   • A leaf or flower.
   • A photo (with family permission).
   • A short letter or note they write to their loved one.
3. Write or Draw Inside: Students can also draw pictures or write short sentences on small pieces of paper to put inside their box, describing a memory or a feeling.

Part 3: Sharing (Optional, In Class)

• Students can optionally share their Memory Boxes with the class or a small group. If they choose to share, they can talk about one or two items or drawings in their box and explain why they are special. Emphasize that sharing is a choice and it's okay to keep their box private if they prefer.

Assessment Criteria (Informal):

• Effort and Creativity: Did the student put thought and effort into decorating and filling their box?
• Reflection: Does the box demonstrate personal connection and reflection on memories/feelings?

Cool Down: Sharing Our Loss

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________


1. What is one new thing you learned or felt today about grief or memories?

2. Draw a feeling face that shows how you are feeling right now after our lesson.

   • Circle one:
     • 😊 Happy
     • 😔 Sad
     • 🤔 Thoughtful
     • 😌 Calm
     • Other: ____________________

3. Is there anything else you want your teacher to know?