Understanding Grief: A Journey

Charles Douglas

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Understanding Grief: A Journey

Processing grief

This lesson aims to help 7th graders understand and process grief through discussion, video, and collaborative activities. By exploring the grieving process, students will learn that grief is a natural and personal journey. This lesson is important as it provides students with tools to express their emotions and seek support, fostering emotional resilience and empathy.

Audience

7th Graders

Time

20 mins

Approach

Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, The Grieving Process: Coping with Death, and Activity Instructions

Step 1

Introduction

3 mins

Welcome students and introduce the topic of grief.
Explain that grief is a natural response to loss and can be experienced in many ways.
Encourage students to share any thoughts or feelings they have about grief.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video The Grieving Process: Coping with Death.
Ask students to pay attention to the different stages and emotions discussed in the video.

Step 3

Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the prepared questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the video and their personal experiences with grief.
Emphasize the importance of acknowledging emotions and seeking support.

Step 4

Collaborative Activity

5 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a set of prompts to discuss how they might support a friend who is grieving.
Encourage students to think of ways to express empathy and offer help.

Step 5

Closure

2 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Remind students that grief is a personal journey and it's okay to seek help.
Encourage students to reach out to trusted adults if they need support.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Grief

This discussion will help students explore their understanding of grief and share personal insights.

What are some emotions you might feel when grieving?

Encourage students to think about a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, confusion, and acceptance.

How can acknowledging your feelings help in the grieving process?

Discuss the importance of recognizing and expressing emotions as a step towards healing.

Why is it important to seek support when grieving?

Highlight the benefits of talking to others and seeking professional help if needed.