Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts Lesson Plan

Students will learn healthy coping strategies for grief by identifying and expressing emotions, reflecting on fond memories, and practicing calming techniques to build personal resilience.

Processing grief early helps students understand and manage complex emotions, fostering emotional well-being and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Step 1: Introduction & Grounding

5 minutes

Step 2

Step 2: Memory Sharing & Reflection

7 minutes

Step 3

Step 3: Emotion Identification

8 minutes

Step 4

Step 4: Coping Strategy Exploration

5 minutes

Step 5

Step 5: Closure & Poem Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Healing Hearts

Welcome the student warmly. Introduce yourself and explain that today’s session is about finding healthy ways to cope with grief in a safe, supportive setting.

Session Overview

Briefly walk through each part of today’s session. Emphasize that we’ll move at their pace and they can share only what they feel comfortable with.

Step 1: Grounding & Welcome

Acknowledge that grief can feel confusing. Reassure the student this is a judgment-free space. Maintain a calm, supportive tone.

Breathing Exercise

Guide the student through each breathing step. Encourage them to notice their body sensations and to relax.

Step 2: Memory Sharing

Provide gentle prompts if the student hesitates. Praise any effort and remind them there is no ‘right’ memory.

Step 3: Identifying Emotions

Normalize mixed feelings by sharing your own examples. Validate each emotion the student names.

Step 4: Coping Strategies

Spread out the cards and invite the student to pick 1–2 strategies. Observe their choices and discuss why they chose them.

Practice a Strategy

Keep this activity brief and encouraging. Focus on the process, not the product.

Step 5: Poem Reflection & Closure

Read the poem slowly and gently. Invite reflection by asking open-ended questions like, “What line stood out to you?”

Summary & Encouragement

Reiterate that the student can revisit these tools anytime they feel overwhelmed. End on a positive, empowering note.

Lesson Plan

Healing Hearts Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Step 1: Introduction & Grounding

Step 2

Step 2: Memory Sharing & Reflection

Step 3

Step 3: Emotion Identification

Step 4

Step 4: Coping Strategy Exploration

Step 5

Step 5: Closure & Poem Reflection

Slide Deck

Healing Hearts

Session Overview

Step 1: Grounding & Welcome

Breathing Exercise

Step 2: Memory Sharing

Step 3: Identifying Emotions

Step 4: Coping Strategies

Practice a Strategy

Step 5: Poem Reflection & Closure

Summary & Encouragement

Worksheet

Activity

Reading

Healing Hearts

Alyssha Walker