Lesson Plan

When Sadness Visits

Students will identify and express feelings of grief, honor memories by creating a memory tree, and practice at least one healthy coping strategy to manage sadness.

This lesson helps students develop emotional literacy, build empathy, and learn resilience by providing safe ways to process grief, share memories, and discover coping strategies that support their mental well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Feelings Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Memory Tree Sharing

10 minutes

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

10 minutes

Step 4

Calm Down and Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

When Sadness Visits

Welcome students warmly and introduce the purpose of today’s lesson: learning healthy ways to cope when we feel sad or miss someone.

Feelings Check-In

Gather students in a circle. Remind them that all feelings are okay and it’s safe to share here.

What Are Emotion Expression Cards?

Show a few example cards on screen. Encourage students to name their feeling and one reason behind it.

What Is a Memory Tree?

Explain the Memory Tree concept before showing the printable. Emphasize honoring happy memories as well as sad ones.

Memory Tree Activity

Distribute the [Memory Tree Printable](#memory-tree-printable). Model drawing a leaf and labeling it.

Exploring Coping Strategies

Introduce coping strategies gently. Encourage students to think of times they’ve used any of these before.

Grief Coping Strategies Chart

Display the chart clearly. Briefly describe each strategy: talking, drawing, music, deep breathing.

Try a Coping Strategy

Invite a volunteer to lead a short demonstration of their chosen strategy, then guide the group through it.

Calm Down and Reflection

Guide students to pick a comfort object (toy, blanket) and lead a calm stretch or play soft music.

Takeaway and Next Steps

Reinforce that these strategies are tools they can use anytime. Encourage talking with trusted adults at home.

Lesson Plan

When Sadness Visits

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Feelings Check-In

Step 2

Memory Tree Sharing

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

Step 4

Calm Down and Reflection

Slide Deck

When Sadness Visits

Feelings Check-In

What Are Emotion Expression Cards?

What Is a Memory Tree?

Memory Tree Activity

Exploring Coping Strategies

Grief Coping Strategies Chart

Try a Coping Strategy

Calm Down and Reflection

Takeaway and Next Steps

Worksheet

Worksheet

Worksheet

When Sadness Visits

Alyssha Walker