Weathering the Storm Lesson Plan Weathering the Storm
Individual Tier 3 Support Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Objective
Identify and express grief-related emotions using visual tools and journaling, then develop and practice personalized coping strategies to support ongoing emotional well-being.
Why It Matters
Addressing grief early fosters resilience, self-awareness, and healthy emotional processing, helping students navigate loss and build lasting coping skills.
Preparation & Materials
Print/cut Grief Emoji Cards
Print Coping Strategies Worksheet
Prepare Feelings Journal Template
Queue up Relaxation Audio Guide script
Familiarize with common grief responses
Set timer or stopwatch
Phase Time Key Actions & Facilitation Introduction 5m
Greet the student warmly; establish privacy and trust.
Explain goal: understanding grief and finding healthy coping ways.
Set a calm tone and outline the session flow.
|
| Emotion ID | 10m |
Spread out Grief Emoji Cards ; have student pick 3–4.
Prompt: "Why does this image feel right?" Encourage sharing.
Record key words in the Feelings Journal Template .
|
| Exploration | 10m |
Review the Coping Strategies Worksheet .
Student matches 2–3 strategies to their emotions.
Practice one technique together using the Relaxation Audio Guide script.
|
| Closing | 5m |
Write a brief self-care plan in the Feelings Journal .
Share one strategy to try before next check-in.
Offer positive affirmation and wrap up.
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Note: Always prioritize the student's comfort level. If they are not ready to discuss a specific card, allow them to move past it. Provide a safe, non-judgmental space for all expressions of grief.
Weathering the Storm Slides Weathering the Storm
A one-on-one session on understanding grief and finding healthy ways to cope.
Personal Support Session
Session Objectives
Identify and express emotions tied to grief
Explore and practice coping strategies
Create a personalized self-care action plan
What Is Grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss. It can show up as sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief.
Everyone experiences grief differently.
"Like a storm, it can be intense, but it will pass at its own pace."
Emotion Identification
Choose 3–4 emojis from the Grief Emoji Cards that match how you’ve felt recently.
"Why does this image fit?"
Coping Strategies
Deep Breathing
Drawing or Writing
Physical Activity
Talking with Someone
Choose 2–3 strategies that appeal to you.
Why do you think these would help you?
Let’s Practice: Deep Breathing
We’ll use the Relaxation Guide to try a calming breathing exercise together.
Inhale
Exhale
Reflection & Self-Care Plan
Step 1
Choose a strategy to try
Step 2
Decide when and how to use it
Step 3
Write a positive reminder for yourself
You did great today.
Remember, it’s okay to feel whatever comes up. These tools are always here for you, and so am I.
Coping Strategies Worksheet Coping Strategies Worksheet
Finding calm in the middle of the storm.
Name:
Date:
Use this worksheet to explore different ways to cope with strong feelings of grief. Read through each strategy, then reflect on how it might help you.
1. Deep Breathing
What it is: Slowly inhale through your nose, hold briefly, then exhale fully through your mouth.
When I could try this:
How it might help me:
2. Drawing or Writing
What it is: Use art supplies or a journal to express your thoughts and feelings without words if that’s easier.
When I could try this:
How it might help me:
3. Physical Activity
What it is: Move your body with activities like walking, stretching, dancing, or playing a sport.
When I could try this:
How it might help me:
4. Talking with a Friend or Adult
What it is: Share what you’re feeling with someone you trust—a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor.
When I could try this:
How it might help me:
5. Mindfulness or Meditation
What it is: Focus your attention on the present moment; notice your breathing, sounds around you, or sensations.
When I could try this:
How it might help me:
My Plan for Using Strategies
My Top 3 Strategies:
1. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
3. ____________________________
When & Where I Will Use Them:
My Positive Reminder:
(A kind thing to tell yourself before trying)
Great work! Keep this worksheet and refer back to it whenever you need a healthy way to cope with grief.
Grief Emoji Cards Activity Grief Emoji Cards
Print and cut along the dashed lines. Use these cards to help identify and talk about different feelings. Pick 3–4 cards that match how you've been feeling recently.
Sadness
Feeling down, tearful, or heavy-hearted.
Anger
Feeling irritable, frustrated, or mad at the situation.
Confusion
Unsure what to think or feel; everything feels mixed up.
Disappointment
Feeling let down or discouraged by what happened.
Overwhelmed
Intense sorrow or feelings that come suddenly.
Numbness
Feeling blank or like you can't feel anything at all.
Anxiety
Feeling worried, tense, or on edge about what's next.
Relief
A mix of calm or release when remembering good times.
Talkative
Wanting to share stories, memories, or talk it out.
Creative
Feeling like drawing or using art to express feelings.
Thoughtful
Deep in thought about memories or learning from loss.
Hopeful
Feeling like you can heal and grow stronger over time.
Feelings Journal Template Feelings Journal
A safe space for your thoughts and emotions.
Name:
Date:
1. Today's Emotions
2–3 words to describe my feelings:
Draw or describe my emoji:
(Choose one that matches)
2. Influences
Events, thoughts, or memories behind these feelings:
3. Body & Mind Check
What do I notice in my body? (e.g., tension, heart rate)
What thoughts are running through my mind?
4. Coping Strategies to Try
Strategy
Why I chose it
5. My Action Plan
When & where I will use these strategies:
My positive reminder (A kind message to myself):
6. Reflection After Coping
How did I feel after trying the strategy?
What did I learn about my emotions?
Self-Care Check-In
7. Positive Affirmation
Write a kind message to yourself. You are brave for facing these feelings.
(Write your kind words here...)
Keep this journal and revisit it whenever you need to check in with your feelings.
Relaxation Audio Guide Script Relaxation Audio Guide
Welcome to your calming breathing exercise. This guide helps you slow down and focus on your breath.
1
Find Your Position
Sit comfortably in a chair or lie down on your back.
Rest your hands on your lap or by your sides.
Close your eyes if that feels safe and comfortable.
2
Begin with Awareness
Take a moment to notice how your body feels right now. Feel the weight of your body pressing into the chair or floor. Notice any areas of tension—perhaps in your shoulders, jaw, or stomach. Just notice it without trying to change it yet.
Step 3
Inhale Slowly
Breathe in for 4: 1... 2... 3... 4
Step 4
Pause & Notice
Hold for 2: 1... 2
Step 5
Exhale Fully
Release for 6: 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6
6
Repeat the Cycle
Continue this inhale–pause–exhale pattern for five full breaths. If your mind wanders, simply notice the thought and let it float away like a leaf on a stream, returning your attention gently to the breath.
7
Return to the Room
Allow your breathing to return to its natural rhythm. Notice how your body feels now compared to when you started. When you're ready, wiggle your fingers and toes, open your eyes, and bring your focus back to the present moment.
Positive Reminder
"You can use this breathing exercise anytime you feel overwhelmed. You've taken a valuable step toward caring for yourself today."
Closing Reflection Sheet Closing Reflection
A moment to check in before we finish.
Name:
Date:
Take a moment to think about today’s session and answer the prompts below. There are no right or wrong answers—just your honest thoughts and feelings.
1
What is one new way to cope with grief that you learned today?
2
Which part of the session helped you the most, and why?
3
How do you feel right now after practicing a coping strategy?
4
One thing I will remember or try before we meet again:
Thank you for sharing your strength today.
Weathering the Storm Session Reflection
