Big Feelings Teacher Guide Big Feelings Guide
Teacher Lesson Facilitator (Grade 1)
20-30 Min
Grade 1
Learning Goal
Students will understand "grief" is the big, sad feeling after a "goodbye" and that all feelings are okay.
Materials
Handout & Journal Sheets
Crayons/Pencils
How to Lead
1
The "Goodbye" Circle (5 min)
Discuss "goodbyes" (moving, pet loss). Define "grief" as big sadness.
2
Reading (10 min)
Read "What is Goodbye?" handout. Discuss the "cloudy heart" feeling.
3
Journal & Draw (10 min)
Hand out "My Feelings Journal." Focus on drawing big feelings.
4
Closing (5 min)
Remind them it's okay to be sad and that time helps.
Teacher Tip
At this age, grief is physical (tummy aches). Validate these feelings. Allow quiet space for children who become upset.
My Feelings Journal My Feelings Journal
A space for your heart to speak
Name:
Date:
1
Draw a time you had to say a "Big Goodbye."
2
How did your heart feel? Use colors!
3
Who can you talk to when you are sad? What is Goodbye Handout What is a Big Goodbye?
Learning about the feeling of grief
When we say goodbye...
Sometimes we say a big goodbye to a pet, a friend moving away, or someone we love. This makes our hearts feel heavy.
Grief is a "Cloudy" Feeling
Grief is big sadness after a loss. It is like a rainy cloud in our heart. It might stay for a while. That is okay!
How does it feel?
Sad
Mad
Confused
Tired
Lonely
Tummy Ache
You are not alone!
Talking to a teacher or friend helps the sun come out. Every feeling is good to share.
Journal Guidance Key Journal Guidance Key
Supporting First Grade Reflections
1. The Big Goodbye Drawing
At age 6-7, look for: stick-figure friends moving, pets with "X" eyes, broken toys, or hospital symbols.
2. Heart Feelings
Blue/Rain: Sadness.
Red/Scribbles: Anger.
Grey: Loneliness.
Yellow: Confusion.
3. Support Systems
Common: Mom, Dad, Teacher, Grandma, stuffed animals. If blank, offer gentle support.
"There are no 'wrong' drawings in this journal. The goal is expression and naming the feeling, not artistic accuracy."
Big Feelings Teacher Guide Spectrum Big Feelings Guide
Teacher Lesson Facilitator (Grade 1)
20-30 Min
Grade 1
Learning Goal
Students will understand "grief" is the big, sad feeling after a "goodbye" and learn about the "Weather of Grief" (Stages).
Materials
Big Feelings Slide Deck
Handout & Journal Sheets
How to Lead
1
The "Goodbye" Circle (5 min)
Discuss "goodbyes." Define "grief" as big sadness. Use the slides to show examples of big goodbyes.
2
The Weather of Grief (10 min)
Present the "Weather" slides. Gently introduce the stages: Foggy (Denial), Stormy (Anger), Windy (Bargaining), Rainy (Depression), and Sunny (Acceptance). Remind them weather always changes.
3
Journal & Draw (10 min)
Hand out "My Feelings Journal." Students draw their "Big Goodbye" and pick colors for their heart based on the weather stages.
4
Coping Magic (5 min)
Share "Body Magic" and "Memory Magic" from the slides. Practice the "Slow Breaths" together before ending.
Teacher Tip
Don't worry about students memorizing the stage names. The goal is the metaphor —helping them see that their feelings are normal parts of a "storm" that passes.
Big Feelings Slides Combined Big Feelings & Goodbyes
Understanding Grief Together
What is a "Goodbye"?
Moving to a new house
Saying goodbye to a pet
A friend moving away
Sometimes "Goodbyes" are big and make us feel sad.
The Word of the Day
GRIEF
Grief is the word for the Big Sadness we feel after a loss or a big goodbye.
"Grief is just love with no place to go."
The Changing Weather
Foggy
"Is this real?"
Denial
Stormy
"I'm so mad!"
Anger
Windy
"I wish..."
Bargaining
Rainy
"I'm so sad."
Depression
Sunny
"I'll be okay."
Acceptance
Grief is like weather. It changes, and every stage is a normal part of the storm.
Grief Looks Different
Sad
Rainy days.
Depression
Mad
Stormy clouds.
Anger
Wishing
The "What-ifs."
Bargaining
Shock
Foggy feelings.
Denial
Confused
Mixed up thoughts.
Lonely
All by yourself.
Tired
No energy.
Body Owie
In your tummy.
We don't always go in order, and that's okay!
How our Bodies Feel
Rest & Sleep
Sometimes we feel very tired.
Tummy Aches
Big feelings can hide in our tummies.
Talking Helps!
Family
Teachers
Friends
"When we share a big feeling, it becomes a little smaller."
Body Magic
Slow Breaths
Breathe in the flowers, blow out the candles.
Quiet Corner
Find a soft place to just be quiet and still.
Memory Magic
Saying goodbye doesn't mean forgetting. We can keep our love in a special place!
Make a Memory Box
Draw a Happy Memory
My Feelings Journal