Lesson Plan

When Hearts Hurt Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize grief, express related emotions safely, and practice two healthy coping strategies to build emotional resilience.

Grief can affect students’ well-being and learning. This lesson normalizes feelings of loss, fosters empathy among classmates, and equips students with practical ways to manage sadness and support each other.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Materials Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Defining Grief

7 minutes

Step 3

Emotion Sharing Activity

8 minutes

Step 4

Coping Strategies Practice

8 minutes

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

Slide Deck

When Hearts Hurt

Welcome the class warmly. Introduce today’s topic: grief and healthy coping. Briefly explain the flow of the lesson.

Today’s Goals

Outline the objectives clearly. Emphasize that it’s okay to feel sad and that sharing helps.

What Is Grief?

Ask students what they think grief means. Guide them toward the definition.

Recognizing Feelings

Direct students’ attention to the poster on the wall. Explain how to use it to label and express emotions.

Emotion Sharing Activity

Explain the instructions step by step. Model a quick drawing or note.

Coping Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

Model the breathing technique slowly. Count out loud and have students follow.

Coping Strategy 2: Artful Expression

Encourage creativity. Show examples like drawing or journaling.

Closure & Support

Summarize key points. Remind students they are not alone and can seek help anytime.

Lesson Plan

When Hearts Hurt Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Materials Preparation

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Defining Grief

Step 3

Emotion Sharing Activity

Step 4

Coping Strategies Practice

Step 5

Closure

Slide Deck

When Hearts Hurt

Today’s Goals

What Is Grief?

Recognizing Feelings

Emotion Sharing Activity

Coping Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

Coping Strategy 2: Artful Expression

Closure & Support

Worksheet

Reading

When Hearts Hurt

Alyssha Walker