Lesson Plan

Session 1: Understanding Grief

Introduce students to the concept of grief, its stages, and how it manifests differently, with an emphasis on sharing personal experiences to promote understanding.

Understanding grief can help students process their emotions, build emotional resilience, and foster a supportive environment for dealing with personal loss.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation for Session 1

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Establishing Safety

5 minutes

Step 2

Exploring the Concept of Grief

15 minutes

Step 3

Guided Sharing and Reflection

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Understanding Grief

Introduce the session by welcoming students and presenting an overview of the session's objectives. Emphasize the safe space for discussion.

What is Grief?

Discuss the definition of grief. Use simple language and relatable examples to ensure every student can connect with the material.

The Stages of Grief

Introduce the concept of grief stages using the provided handout. Encourage students to think about how each stage might feel.

Grief in Action

Present relatable real-life examples or scenarios of how grief might manifest differently for individuals. Ask guided questions for reflection.

Reflection & Discussion

Prompt students to share their thoughts or experiences if comfortable, and facilitate a respectful discussion.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Session 2: Expressing Emotions

Help students identify and express their emotions related to grief, using creative modalities to articulate feelings in a constructive manner.

Expressing emotions is vital for processing grief. This session provides tools for healthy articulation, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation for Session 2

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up and Emotional Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Guided Creative Expression Activity

15 minutes

Step 3

Group Reflection and Sharing

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 2: Expressing Emotions

Introduce the session by welcoming students and outlining the session's aim to express emotions creatively. Remind students this is a safe space for self-expression.

Why Express Emotions?

Emphasize the importance of expressing emotions for mental and emotional health. Explain that these techniques can help manage grief.

Creative Expression Activity

Introduce the creative expression activity. Prompt students to choose a medium (writing, drawing, music) and refer them to the linked activity guide.

Reflection & Sharing

Prompt a group reflection on the creative activity. Encourage sharing of thoughts and feelings, and facilitate a respectful discussion.

Session Wrap-Up

Conclude the session with a summary of key points and a reminder of continued support. Encourage students to use creative outlets regularly.

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 3: Building Support Systems

Help students identify and build personal support systems to manage grief effectively through discussion and practical exercises.

Building support systems is essential to coping with grief, offering students tangible ways to seek help and share their experiences, fostering resilience and community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation for Session 3

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Support Systems

5 minutes

Step 2

Mapping Personal Support Networks

15 minutes

Step 3

Group Discussion and Reflection

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 3: Building Support Systems

Welcome the students and introduce the purpose of the session, emphasizing the importance of support systems in managing grief.

Why Build Support Systems?

Explain why support systems are crucial. Highlight the benefits of having a trusted network for emotional, practical, and informational support.

Mapping Your Support Network

Introduce the activity of mapping personal support networks. Reference the worksheet and provide clear instructions.

Group Reflection & Sharing

Facilitate a discussion where students can share insights from their mapping exercise. Encourage respectful sharing and reflection.

Session Wrap-Up

Conclude the session by summarizing the importance of support systems and reinforcing the idea that reaching out for help is a positive step.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Session 4: Coping Strategies

Introduce students to a range of coping strategies to help manage the emotional challenges of grief.

Equipping students with practical coping tools can empower them to navigate their grief, build resilience, and manage stress effectively.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation for Session 4

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Coping Strategies

5 minutes

Step 2

Strategy Demonstration and Discussion

15 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice and Reflection

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 4: Coping Strategies

Welcome students to the session and outline today’s focus on different strategies for coping with grief.

Why Coping Strategies?

Explain why coping strategies are important and provide an overview of what will be discussed.

Overview of Strategies

Introduce different coping strategies, such as mindfulness, physical activity, creative expression, and journaling. Give a brief example of each.

Guided Practice

Guide students through a practical exercise with one of the strategies. For example, a short mindfulness or breathing exercise.

Reflection & Discussion

Facilitate a group discussion and reflection. Ask students to share how they felt during the exercise and which coping strategy they might want to try in the future.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Session 5: Moving Forward

Empower students to integrate grief management skills into daily life and foster resilience for moving forward with hope.

This session reinforces that while grief may persist, students can develop personal strategies to navigate loss, ultimately building resilience and embracing hope for the future.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation for Session 5

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Session Overview

5 minutes

Step 2

Guided Reflection Activity

10 minutes

Step 3

Group Discussion and Sharing

10 minutes

Step 4

Action Plan Creation and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 5: Moving Forward

Begin by welcoming the students and providing an overview of today's session. Emphasize that this session will help them integrate what they've learned about managing grief and moving forward with hope.

Review & Reflection

Summarize the key learnings from previous sessions briefly. Reinforce the journey from understanding grief to developing effective coping strategies.

Guided Reflection Activity

Introduce the guided reflection activity using the Moving Forward Reflection Guide. Encourage students to take a few minutes to think about their personal journey.

Your Personal Action Plan

Guide students in creating a personal action plan. Ask them to note one or two strategies they commit to using and how they plan to incorporate them into their daily lives.

Session Wrap-Up

Conclude the session by summarizing the key points discussed. Provide encouragement for their ongoing journey, reminding them that support is always available.