Grief Lesson Plan Journey of Understanding
Lesson Plan: Coping with Grief
Duration 30 Min
Why This Matters
This lesson helps 2nd-grade students understand and cope with grief through engaging activities and restorative practices. It builds emotional resilience and empathy, equipping students with tools to navigate difficult emotions in a supportive environment.
Audience & Approach
Grade: 2nd Grade
Methods: Game-Based Learning, Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed, Active Learning
Objective
Students will learn healthy ways to identify, process, and handle grief while supporting their peers.
Required Materials
Video: Prepare with Pedro
Journey Slides
Grief Worksheet
Reading Handout
Emotion Matching Cards
Exit Tickets & Quiz
Instructional Flow
5m
Introduction
Begin with a brief chat about emotions. Explain that everyone experiences them differently and today we'll focus on handling sadness and grief.
Show the "Prepare with Pedro: Coping Skills" video to introduce the concept.
5m
Guided Discussion
Facilitate a conversation about the video using the provided discussion prompts. Focus on identifying specific coping skills Pedro used.
Key takeaway: Talking about emotions helps us support one another.
10m
Reading & Worksheet
Read the "Understanding Grief" handout together. Pause to discuss the three main strategies: Talk, Do, Remember.
Students complete the Grief Worksheet individually or in pairs. Provide extra support to students who may be currently experiencing loss.
5m
Emotion Matching Game
Use the Emotion Matching Cards. Have students match the emotion word to the scenario or facial expression. Discuss how these feelings shift during times of grief.
5m
Closure & Exit Ticket
Summarize the key points: It's okay to be sad, talking helps, and you're not alone. Distribute the Exit Ticket for a quick reflection.
Grief Journey Slides A Journey of Understanding
Learning How to Handle Grief & Support Our Friends
2nd Grade
What are Emotions?
Emotions are the feelings we have inside our hearts and minds.
"Everyone feels things differently, and that's okay! Today, we're talking about a big feeling called grief ."
Happy
Sad
Angry
Confused
Pedro's Coping Skills
Watch how Pedro handles big emotions!
Embedded media
Listen for Pedro's Tips!
What did you learn from the video about coping?
Think about what Pedro did to feel better. Did he talk to anyone? Did he take deep breaths?
How can we support a friend who is grieving?
What are some kind things you can say or do when a friend is feeling very sad?
Activity Time!
Emotion Matching
We are going to look at different emotion cards.
Identify the feeling
Talk about why we might feel it
Find a healthy coping skill
Let's Play!
Always Remember...
Talk
Sharing your feelings helps them feel smaller.
Do
Activities you love can bring comfort.
Remember
Happy memories are like a warm hug.
It's okay to ask for help. You are not alone! 🫂
Understanding Grief Reading Handout Understanding Grief
A Journey of Understanding
Grief is a feeling we have when we lose something or someone important to us. It can feel like a heavy cloud or a deep sadness in our hearts.
Important Note:
It's okay to feel sad, and everyone experiences grief differently. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel.
Ways to Cope with Grief
Talk to someone you trust
Sharing your feelings with a teacher, a parent, or a friend can help your heart feel lighter. Talking makes big feelings feel a little smaller.
Do something you enjoy
Activities like drawing, playing outside, reading a favorite book, or listening to music can be very comforting when you are sad.
Remember the good times
Thinking about happy memories or looking at old photos can bring comfort. Your memories are a special treasure that stays with you.
Remember...
It's okay to ask for help.
Grief Reflection Worksheet My Heart's Journey
Grief & Coping Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Draw a picture of something that makes you feel better when you're sad.
Think about activities, special places, or people that bring you comfort.
Write about a time you felt sad and what you did to feel better.
It's brave to share your feelings!
Emotion Matching Cards Emotion Matching Cards
Cut these out to play the matching game!
Happy
Sad
Angry
Confused
Excited
Scared
Calm
Frustrated
Surprised
Lonely Grief Quiz Grief Quiz
Check Your Understanding
Name:
Date:
1
What is one way to cope with grief?
Ignore it
Talk to someone
Keep it to yourself
2
Why is it important to talk about your feelings?
It helps you feel better
It makes you sadder
It doesn't matter
"You are doing a great job sharing your thoughts!"
Grief Quiz Answer Key Answer Key
Grief Quiz: A Journey of Understanding
1
What is one way to cope with grief?
Talk to someone
Teacher Note: Talking to a trusted adult or friend helps process emotions, find support, and makes feelings feel less overwhelming.
2
Why is it important to talk about your feelings?
It helps you feel better
Teacher Note: Expressing feelings can lead to emotional relief and a better understanding of why we feel the way we do.
Restorative Practice Tip
If a student answers incorrectly, use it as a moment to discuss why "Ignoring feelings" or "Keeping it to yourself" might feel easier but why talking is more helpful in the long run.
Grief Reflection Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
My Heart's Reflection
One big thing I learned today about grief is:
One way I can be a kind friend to someone who is sad is:
How I'm feeling right now:
Draw here
Exit Ticket
My Heart's Reflection
One big thing I learned today about grief is:
One way I can be a kind friend to someone who is sad is:
How I'm feeling right now:
Draw here
Grief Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Coping with Grief: A Journey of Understanding
What did you learn from the video about coping with difficult emotions?
Facilitation Tip
Encourage students to mention specific coping skills discussed in the video, such as deep breathing, talking to a friend, or doing an activity they enjoy.
Discussion Notes
How can we support a friend who is feeling sad or grieving?
Facilitation Tip
Guide students to think about empathy, listening, and offering help. Ask: "What are some kind words you could say?" or "What is something you could do to help them feel less lonely?"
Discussion Notes
"Talking about emotions builds a safer and more supportive classroom for everyone."
