Lesson Plan

Healing Little Hearts Lesson Plan

Help a 2nd grader recognize and express grief over the loss of their guinea pig, practice naming feelings, learn a simple coping strategy, and feel comforted through journaling and a calming exercise.

Losing a pet can be confusing and sad for a young child. This session offers a safe, supportive space to share emotions, introduces a coping tool, and helps the student feel understood and cared for.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Greeting and Introduction

2 minutes

Step 2

Sharing Memories

3 minutes

Step 3

Identifying Feelings

3 minutes

Step 4

Learning Coping Strategy

4 minutes

Step 5

Closure and Positive Reminder

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Healing Little Hearts

Welcome the student warmly. Say: “Today we’ll talk about how you’re feeling after your guinea pig passed away, and learn a way to help you feel calmer.”

Memories of Your Guinea Pig

Invite the student: “Can you tell me one of your favorite memories with your guinea pig?” Listen actively and validate: “That sounds like a very special moment.”

How Are You Feeling?

Show feeling faces (sad, confused, happy). Ask: “Which face matches how you feel right now?” Encourage drawing or writing the feeling in the journal.

Let’s Breathe Together

Introduce the breathing exercise: “We’ll breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 1, then breathe out for 4.” Model once, then guide two practice rounds, praising their effort.

You’re Not Alone

Summarize: “You did great naming how you feel and practicing breathing. Remember, you can use your journal and this breathing anytime you feel sad. I’m here for you.”

Lesson Plan

Healing Little Hearts Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

Step 1

Greeting and Introduction

Step 2

Sharing Memories

Step 3

Identifying Feelings

Step 4

Learning Coping Strategy

Step 5

Closure and Positive Reminder

Slide Deck

Healing Little Hearts

Memories of Your Guinea Pig

How Are You Feeling?

Let’s Breathe Together

You’re Not Alone

Script

Journal

Activity

Healing Little Hearts

Claudia Olivares