Grief Navigator Lesson Plan Grief Navigator Lesson Plan
Navigating Big Feelings โข 4th Grade Social-Emotional Learning
40 Minutes
The Big Idea
Grief is a word for the "big sadness" we feel when something or someone we love is gone. This lesson teaches children that all feelings are okay and gives them "Heart Tools" to help them find their way.
Learning Goals
Explain what grief means in simple terms.
Identify 3-5 "Big Feelings" that come with loss.
Choose a "Heart Tool" to use when feeling sad.
Supplies
Heart Compass Slides
Heart Compass Worksheet
Feelings Check Exit Ticket
Gentle Animated Short Video
The Lesson Path
5m
Warm Up: Heart Weather
Goal: Emotional Check-in
Ask: "If your heart had weather today, what would it be like? (Sunny, cloudy, a little rainy?)"
Explain that sometimes our heart weather changes when we lose something we love.
10m
What is Grief?
Goal: Define terms simply
Define Grief : The heavy feeling we get when something changes or goes away.
Examples for 4th Grade: A pet passing, moving houses, a best friend moving away, or losing a favorite toy.
Note: Refer to the Facilitation Guide for safe discussion prompts and age-appropriate definitions.
15m
Heart Compass Activity
Goal: Identify emotions and coping
Watch the gentle video on the Heart Compass Slides .
Hand out the Heart Compass Worksheet .
Guide students to draw or write the "Big Feelings" (Sadness, Anger, Wishing, Thinking) in the compass circles.
5m
Our Heart Tools
Goal: Practical coping strategies
Brainstorm "Heart Tools": Talking to a grown-up, drawing, taking slow breaths, hugging a pillow.
Explain that tools don't "fix" the sadness, but they help us find our way forward.
5m
Closure
Gather back together. Remind students they are brave for talking about hard things. Pass out the Feelings Check Exit Ticket for a final reflection.
Grief Facilitation Guide Grief Facilitation Guide
Teacher Support โข Heart Compass Lesson
This guide helps you lead a gentle and safe conversation about grief with 4th graders. Remember: we aren't "fixing" the grief; we are creating a safe space for students to acknowledge it.
1
What does it feel like when your heart is "heavy"?
Conversation Starters
"Sometimes when something sad happens, our hearts can feel heavy or tired. Have you ever felt that way?"
Key Point: Grief isn't just one feeling like 'sad'. It can feel like being tired, being grumpy, or just wanting to be alone. All of these are part of grief.
Encourage examples like losing a pet, moving schools, or a favorite toy breaking.
2
Why do some people cry while others get quiet?
Understanding Differences
"Imagine a rainstorm. Some rain is a big thunder-storm, and some is just a light drizzle. Grief is the same way."
Explain that there is no "right way" to be sad. Some people need to talk, some need to draw, and some just need a hug.
Empathy Tip: If a friend is grieving, the best thing we can do is ask, "How can I help?" or just sit with them.
3
What are some "Heart Tools" we can use?
Coping Strategies
"If you had a 'Heart Toolbox', what would you put inside it to help when you feel big sadness?"
Physical Tools: Deep breathing (balloon breaths), squeezing a stuffed animal, or going for a run.
Social Tools: Telling a teacher, writing a letter to someone you miss, or talking to a parent.
A Gentle Note for Teachers
Talking about loss can be emotional for children. If a student gets upset, it's okay! Let them know their feelings are valid. Have a plan for students who might need to speak privately with the school counselor. Keep your school's support procedures in mind throughout this lesson.
Grief and Loss Worksheet Heart Compass
Finding Your Way Through Big Feelings
Navigator:
Date:
1. My Feeling Map
Grief can feel like many different things. In the circles below, draw a face or a picture that shows how each feeling might look.
1
The Big Sad
2
The Grumpies
3
The "What Ifs"
4
The Quiet Heart
2. My Heart Toolbox
What are 3 things you can do to help your heart feel a little lighter when you are sad?
1
2
3
Your heart is brave, and it's okay to feel!
Grief Reflection Exit Ticket Check-In
Feelings Check
How is your heart doing today?
Name
1
Circle the face that matches how you feel about today's lesson:
๐
Good
๐
Okay
๐ค
Thinking
๐
Sad
2
What is one "Heart Tool" you can use when you feel sad?
3
Who is one grown-up you can talk to about your feelings?
Thank you for sharing
Grief Journey Slides Heart
Compass
Finding Our Way Through Big Feelings
Our Safe Space
All feelings are welcome here.
We listen with kind hearts.
You share only if you want to.
Need a break?
It is okay to take a breather if you feel overwhelmed. Just let me know!
What is Grief?
"Grief is the big, heavy feeling we get when someone or something we love is gone."
People
Pets
Home
Learning Together
Embedded media
Watch how different friends handle their big feelings.
The Big Feelings
๐ข
The Big Sad
Feeling heavy, tired, or crying.
๐ก
The Grumpies
Feeling angry or frustrated.
๐ค
The "What-Ifs"
Wishing things were different.
๐ถ
The Numbness
Feeling like your heart is quiet.
Grief is Like a Scribble
You might feel better one day, and sad the next.
That is totally normal!
Your Heart Tools
Talk
Share with a trusted adult.
Create
Draw, write, or play music.
Breathe
Take 3 slow breaths.
Connect
Sit with a friend or pet.
You are Brave
Talking about big feelings is hard work.
You did a great job today.
Time for Check-In!
Heart Compass Journaling Worksheet Heart Journal
My Personal Space for Big Feelings
Name:
Date:
This journal is a safe place for you to write or draw your thoughts. Remember, there are no "wrong" answers when it comes to how you feel. Your heart is brave!
1
My Heart Weather
What is a loss or a big change that has happened to you? How did your "heart weather" feel when it first happened?
Draw Weather
2
The Scribble Days
Draw Scribble
Grief is like a scribbleโit doesn't follow a straight line. Have you had a "good day" followed by a "scribble day"? What was that like?
3
Tools in Action
Next time you feel a "big sadness" or the "grumpies," which Heart Tool will you try first? Why do you think it will help?
Sketch Tool
4
A Brave Note
Draw or write a message to yourself for a day when your heart feels heavy. What do you want to remember?
You Are Never Alone