Mapping My Grief Journey Lesson Plan Mapping My Grief Journey
Teacher Lesson Plan
50 Minutes
Objective
Students will identify and understand physical and emotional sensations associated with grief, normalizing their experiences and validating their feelings through self-reflection and group discussion.
Audience
6th Grade Students (Tier 1 Social-Emotional Learning)
Why It Matters
This lesson fosters emotional literacy and creates a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to express their feelings without judgment.
Preparation
Review all lesson materials including the slide deck and activity sheets.
Ensure projector/interactive whiteboard is ready for "Your Body's Language of Loss" slides.
Print copies of the Feeling Thermometer, Body Scan Worksheet, and Reflection Slips.
Arrange seating in a circle or small groups for the discussion phase.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Lesson Flow
10 min
Warm-up: Feeling Thermometer Check-in
Begin with the Feeling Thermometer Check-in to gauge current emotional states.
Encourage students to share responses if comfortable; emphasize there are no "wrong" feelings.
Transition: Today we explore how grief shows up in our bodies and how understanding this helps us cope.
10 min
Intro: Your Body's Language of Loss
Present the Slide Deck , defining grief as a natural response to loss.
Discuss the concept of physical sensations associated with specific emotions.
Prompt: "Have you ever felt a 'knot' in your stomach when you were nervous or sad?"
15 min
Activity: Body Scan for Emotions
Lead students through the Body Scan Activity (guided mindfulness).
Instruct them to notice sensations without judgment (tightness, tingling, warmth).
Students use the worksheet to draw/jot down observations and connect them to emotions.
10 min
Discussion: Sharing Our Comfort Zones
Facilitate the Discussion Guide in a safe, brave space.
Focus on themes (common sensations) rather than specific personal trauma details.
Discuss healthy coping mechanisms and the importance of self-compassion.
5 min
Cool Down: Reflection
Brief reflection: One thing learned about grief or themselves.
Distribute Cool Down Slips : one word for current feeling + one coping strategy.
Remind students of available support (counselors, trusted adults).
Your Body's Language of Loss Slides Your Body's Language of Loss
How our bodies talk to us about our feelings.
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Ask them to think about how their body feels when they are happy, sad, or nervous (butterflies, smiles, heavy chest).
What is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss.
It's how our hearts and minds react when something or someone we care about is no longer there or has changed.
Loss can look like:
A pet passing away
A friend moving away
Changes in your family
Missing a place or a hobby
Teacher Note: Normalize the word "grief." Explain it isn't just about death; it's any significant "saying goodbye" or change.
Grief in Your Body
Have you ever felt these when you were sad or going through a change?
Aches & Pains
Headaches, stomach aches, or tight muscles.
Tiredness
Feeling heavy or drained, even after sleep.
"Knots"
A tight or heavy feeling in your chest or stomach.
Appetite Changes
Not wanting to eat, or eating more than usual.
Restlessness
Feeling "fidgety" or having trouble sitting still.
What else have you felt?
Teacher Note: Validate that these are 100% normal. The brain and body are connected. Ask: "Where do you feel stress?"
No "Right" or "Wrong"
Your feelings are YOUR feelings. They belong to you.
It’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, or even nothing at all .
What one person feels, another might not—and that is perfectly normal .
Teacher Note: This slide is crucial for reducing shame. Remind them that grief isn't a straight line; it's more like a messy squiggle.
Listening to Your Body
Your body is an expert at telling you how you feel.
Learning to listen to these signals can help you understand your emotions before they get too big.
A "Body Scan" is...
Taking a quiet journey through your body to notice what's there, like a detective.
Teacher Note: Transition to the activity. Explain that they are just "noticing," not "fixing."
You Are Not Alone
Talk to Someone
Feeling Thermometer Check in Worksheet Name:
Date:
Feeling Thermometer Check-in
Take a moment to check in with how you are feeling right now.
Think of a thermometer, but instead of temperature, it measures your feelings . On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you right now?
1
Chilly
Feeling calm, relaxed, or a little bored.
2
Cool
Feeling okay, steady, or a bit thoughtful.
3
Mild
Feeling neutral, a bit unsure, or just present.
4
Warm
Feeling a bit restless, nervous, or a little sad.
5
Hot
Feeling strong emotions like anger, intense sadness, or overwhelming worry.
Circle the number that best describes your feeling:
1
2
3
4
5
Optional Reflection
In one sentence, describe why you chose that number. You don't have to share if you don't want to.
Every feeling is valid.
Body Scan for Emotions Activity Sheet Student Name:
Date:
Body Scan for Emotions
Sometimes our emotions show up in our bodies as different sensations. This activity will help you notice what your body is telling you.
Instructions
Find a comfortable position. Feet on floor, hands in lap.Take a few deep breaths. In through nose, out through mouth.Start at your head. Notice any tingling or tightness.Move down to face & neck. Is your jaw relaxed?Scan your chest & stomach. Any butterflies or heaviness?Move down to legs & feet. Notice warmth or coolness.Observe without judgment. No need to change anything!
Mental Map
Think about where you feel sensations.
My Observations
1. Where did I feel something?
(Example: "My stomach felt tight," "My shoulders felt heavy")
2. What might that feeling be telling me?
(Example: "The tightness might be nervousness," "The heaviness might be sadness")
"The body remembers what the mind tries to forget."
Sharing Our Comfort Zones Discussion Guide Sharing Our Comfort Zones
It takes courage to talk about our feelings. This is a safe space for us to share and learn from each other. You only share what you are comfortable with.
Our Discussion Guidelines
Listen Actively: Pay attention when others are speaking.
Respect Differences: Everyone's experience is unique and valid.
Use "I" Statements: Speak from your own experience (e.g., "I noticed...").
Pass is Okay: No pressure to share if you don't want to speak.
Discussion Questions
1. From our body scan, did anyone notice a common sensation in their body?
You don't have to say what emotion it was connected to (e.g., feeling in chest, hands, etc.).
2. What does it mean to have a "comfort zone" for feelings?
How can we make our classroom a comfort zone for everyone?
3. What are healthy ways you or others cope with sadness or loss?
Think about music, talking, drawing, playing outside, etc.
4. Why understand grief in the body?
5. One thing you'll carry with you today?
Bravery is talking about how we feel.
Reflection Cool Down Slips Grief in the Body
Cool Down Slip
1. One word to describe how you feel now:
2. One coping strategy you might try:
You are supported.
Grief in the Body
Cool Down Slip
1. One word to describe how you feel now:
2. One coping strategy you might try:
You are supported.
Grief in the Body
Cool Down Slip
1. One word to describe how you feel now:
2. One coping strategy you might try:
You are supported.
Grief in the Body
Cool Down Slip
1. One word to describe how you feel now:
2. One coping strategy you might try:
You are supported.
