Lesson Plan

Hope After Loss Plan

Guide a 3rd grader to understand and express grief through conversation and creative activities, and learn coping strategies to honor loved ones.

Helps students validate their emotions, build emotional awareness, and develop resilience by providing a safe space to share and tools to cope with loss.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Guided Discussion

7 minutes

Step 3

Creative Expression

10 minutes

Step 4

Coping Strategies

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Cool-down

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Hope After Loss

Welcome the student warmly. Explain that this session is a private, safe space to talk about feelings. Emphasize empathy and confidentiality.

Introduction

Use a calm tone. Ask the student how they’re feeling and validate their response. Reinforce that it’s okay to have many different emotions.

Guided Discussion

Introduce simple grief words visually or verbally. Listen actively and reflect back the student’s feelings. Encourage sharing without pressure.

Creative Expression

Guide the student through the [Memory Prompt Sheet](#memory-prompt-sheet). Offer support and praise as they draw or write. Allow personalization.

Coping Strategies

Demonstrate the breathing exercise and practice together. Show a few [Coping Strategies Visual Cards](#coping-strategies-visual-cards). Let the student choose a favorite tool.

Reflection & Cool-down

Encourage reflection. Reinforce that feelings change and coping tools help. End with affirmation and remind them of support availability.

Lesson Plan

Hope After Loss Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Guided Discussion

Step 3

Creative Expression

Step 4

Coping Strategies

Step 5

Reflection & Cool-down

Slide Deck

Hope After Loss

Introduction

Guided Discussion

Creative Expression

Coping Strategies

Reflection & Cool-down

Worksheet

Activity

Reading

Hope After Loss

Alyssha Walker