Lesson Plan

Navigating the Loss

Students will identify emotions associated with grief and practice healthy coping strategies through reflection and peer-sharing.

This lesson equips students with emotional awareness and resilience to process loss, fostering a supportive environment and healthy coping mechanisms.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Ground Rules

5 minutes

Step 2

Discussion on Grief

10 minutes

Step 3

Reflective Activity

8 minutes

Step 4

Sharing and Peer Support

5 minutes

Step 5

Closure and Next Steps

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Navigating the Loss

Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today we’ll explore grief and healthy coping. Ensure everyone feels safe.

Session Objectives

Read slide aloud. Emphasize the goal is emotional awareness and peer support.

Ground Rules

Display the [Ground Rules Poster](#ground-rules-poster). Review each rule and invite questions.

What Is Grief?

Define grief in your own words, then invite student definitions. Reinforce that grief can look different for everyone.

Discussion Prompts

Invite volunteers to respond. Keep discussion supportive; validate feelings.

Reflective Activity

Hand out the [Emotion Reflection Worksheet](#emotion-reflection-worksheet). Circulate to offer individual support.

Healthy Coping Strategies

Introduce the [Talking Stick](#talking-stick). Model passing the stick and sharing a strategy.

Closure & Resources

Summarize key points and remind students of resources. Distribute the [Grief Coping Strategies Handout](#grief-coping-strategies-handout).

Lesson Plan

Navigating the Loss

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction and Ground Rules

Step 2

Discussion on Grief

Step 3

Reflective Activity

Step 4

Sharing and Peer Support

Step 5

Closure and Next Steps

Slide Deck

Navigating the Loss

Session Objectives

Ground Rules

What Is Grief?

Discussion Prompts

Reflective Activity

Healthy Coping Strategies

Closure & Resources

Activity

Worksheet

Discussion

Navigating the Loss

Alyssha Walker