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When Hearts Hurt

Lesson Plan

When Hearts Hurt Lesson Plan

Support a 5th grader in identifying and expressing grief feelings and develop coping strategies through discussion, journaling, and an activity.

This lesson provides a safe, one-on-one space for the student to process loss, learn emotional resilience, and build supportive coping tools that foster long-term emotional well-being.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Discussion, guided journaling, and creation of a coping toolbox card.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Safe and Private Space

5 minutes

Step 1

Safe Space Introduction

2 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain that this is a private space to share any feelings.
  • Emphasize confidentiality and that there is no right or wrong way to feel.

Step 2

Emotional Check-In

3 minutes

  • Present the Feelings Wheel Poster and ask the student to identify words that reflect current feelings.
  • Ask open-ended questions: “What brought up that feeling?” to deepen understanding.

Step 3

Guided Discussion on Loss

4 minutes

  • Gently ask the student to share about the person or thing they’ve lost.
  • Validate emotions: acknowledge pain, sadness, or anger.
  • Normalize grief by explaining it's a natural response and varies for everyone.

Step 4

Journaling Activity

4 minutes

  • Invite the student to write or draw in the Grief Reflection Journal.
  • Prompt: “Describe a memory that makes you both happy and sad.”
  • Encourage honesty and remind them this journal is for their eyes.

Step 5

Closing and Coping Strategy

2 minutes

  • Provide the Coping Toolbox Card and guide the student to choose 2–3 strategies that feel comforting (e.g., deep breathing, talking to a friend).
  • Summarize key takeaways and remind them they can revisit these tools anytime.
  • End with a positive affirmation: “You are not alone and your feelings matter.”
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Slide Deck

When Hearts Hurt

A 15-minute one-on-one session to help you understand and express feelings of loss and learn new ways to cope.

Welcome the student and set a gentle tone. Explain that today’s session is a private, safe place to explore feelings of loss. Emphasize there are no right or wrong feelings here.

Safe Space

• This is our private time together.
• You can share anything you’re feeling.
• There is no right or wrong way to feel.

Read aloud the slide and reassure confidentiality. Encourage the student to share freely and remind them you’re here to listen.

Emotional Check-In

• Look at the Feelings Wheel Poster.
• Choose words that describe how you feel right now.
• What brought up that feeling?

Point to the Feelings Wheel Poster. Ask them to pick words. Use open-ended follow-ups like “Tell me more about that feeling.”

Talking About Your Loss

• Share about the person or thing you’ve lost.
• It’s okay to feel sadness, anger, or confusion.
• Everyone experiences grief differently.

Invite the student to speak at their own pace. Validate each emotion: “It makes sense you’d feel… ” and normalize grief.

Journaling Time

• Write or draw in your Grief Reflection Journal.
• Prompt: “Describe a memory that makes you both happy and sad.”
• This journal is just for you.

Hand over the Grief Reflection Journal. Encourage creative expression—drawing or writing both work.

Coping Toolbox & Closing

• Choose 2–3 coping ideas on your Coping Toolbox Card (e.g., deep breathing, talking to a friend).
• Remember: You are not alone, and your feelings matter.
• You can revisit these tools anytime.

Show the Coping Toolbox Card. Guide them to pick strategies that feel right. Close with warmth and affirmation.

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Worksheet

Grief Reflection Journal

This journal is just for you. Write or draw anything that helps you express your feelings. There is no right or wrong way to use this space.

1. Check-In: How I’m Feeling Today

List three words that describe how you feel right now:







Or draw a picture that shows your feelings:












2. A Memory I Treasure

Think of a moment with the person or thing you lost that makes you both happy and sad.

Write about that memory:












Draw a picture of that memory:












3. What Helps Me Feel Better

List or draw 2–3 things you can do when you feel sad to help yourself feel better (for example, deep breathing, talking to a friend, listening to music):









4. A Letter to Someone I Miss

Write a letter to the person or thing you lost. Tell them anything you wish you could say:













You can return to these pages any time you need to share or understand your feelings. Remember: your feelings matter, and you are not alone.

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Activity

Coping Toolbox Card

This toolbox card is yours to fill with strategies that help you feel better when you’re sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Decorate it with colors or stickers and keep it close—on your desk, in your backpack, or in your pocket.

My Go-To Strategies

  1. Breathing or Relaxation Techniques (e.g., deep breaths, muscle stretches)




  1. People I Can Talk To (friends, family members, teachers)




  1. Activities That Help Me Feel Better (drawing, listening to music, playing a game)




  1. Comfort Objects or Sensory Tools (stuffed animal, fidget toy, blanket)




My Personal Reminder

Write or draw a short message to yourself for encouragement:







You can add more strategies or doodles anytime. Remember, this card is here to help you feel calm and supported whenever you need it.

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