Lesson Plan
Heartfelt Journey Plan
Students will read “The Memory Tree Story,” identify and discuss feelings of grief and loss, share personal memories in a safe circle, and create a “Memory Leaf” craft to honor someone they’ve lost.
This lesson fosters social-emotional learning by giving 4th graders a comforting narrative to explore grief, build empathy, and develop healthy coping through discussion and creative expression.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Read-Aloud of Story
15 minutes
Step 3
Guided Discussion
10 minutes
Step 4
Memory Leaf Craft
10 minutes
Step 5
Closing & Reflection
5 minutes

Slide Deck
Emotions Unboxed: Understanding Grief
Common Feelings of Loss
Visual Cues in Our Story
Pause & Reflect
Circle Chat Prompts
Memory Leaf Craft
Closing Thoughts

Reading


Discussion


Activity

