Lesson Plan

Finding Light Lesson Plan

Guide 8th graders through recognizing grief, learning healthy coping strategies, and creating a personalized action plan to manage emotions.

Helping students process grief supports emotional resilience, reduces isolation, and equips them with skills to navigate difficult feelings in a safe, one-on-one setting.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Student Profile

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Emotional Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Identifying Grief Emotions

7 minutes

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

8 minutes

Step 4

Creating a Personal Action Plan

7 minutes

Step 5

Closing and Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Finding Light After Loss

Welcome the student warmly and explain the confidential, one-on-one setting. Emphasize that today’s goal is to recognize grief feelings and learn ways to cope.

Introduction & Emotional Check-In

Use this slide to set the session’s goals. Ask an open-ended check-in question such as, “What’s on your mind today?” Validate whatever they share.

Identifying Grief Emotions

Hand them the [Grief Reflection Worksheet](#grief-reflection-worksheet). Guide them to circle emotions and talk through each one they select, normalizing their experience.

Exploring Coping Strategies

Introduce a few strategies from the guide. Encourage the student to choose three they’d like to try, then discuss how each one might help them.

Creating Your Personal Action Plan

Provide the [Personal Action Plan Template](#personal-action-plan-template). Talk them through filling out supports, strategies, and triggers. Role-play if time allows.

Closing & Next Steps

Summarize their key insights: emotions identified, strategies selected, and plan elements. Schedule a follow-up check-in and encourage ongoing use of the plan.

Lesson Plan

Finding Light Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Student Profile

Step 1

Introduction and Emotional Check-In

Step 2

Identifying Grief Emotions

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

Step 4

Creating a Personal Action Plan

Step 5

Closing and Next Steps

Slide Deck

Finding Light After Loss

Introduction & Emotional Check-In

Identifying Grief Emotions

Exploring Coping Strategies

Creating Your Personal Action Plan

Closing & Next Steps

Worksheet

Worksheet

Worksheet

Rubric

Finding Light After Loss

Alyssha Walker