Building Our Circle Lesson Plan Building Our Circle
Session 1: Introduction & Building Trust
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review lesson plan
• Print Icebreaker Activity Sheets
• Prep Group Norms Poster
• Gather markers & pens
Materials
Icebreaker Activity Sheet
Group Norms Poster
Markers
Why This Session?
Creating a supportive atmosphere helps students feel comfortable expressing deep emotions. Establishing trust early is critical for the success of the group.
Objective
Establish a safe and trusting environment for sharing personal experiences of grief and loss.
Instructions
10 min
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome students to the space. Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the group: to support one another through shared experiences. Invite students to share their names and one thing they hope to gain from these sessions.
15 min
Icebreaker Activity
Distribute the Icebreaker Activity Sheet. Guide students through the exercise, encouraging honest but safe participation. Facilitate a brief discussion on how the activity made them feel about starting this journey together.
15 min
Setting Group Norms
Present the Group Norms Poster. Discuss each norm and its importance for emotional safety. Invite students to suggest additional norms (e.g., "What stays in the room stays in the room"). Agree on final norms and have students sign the poster as a commitment.
5 min
Closing Reflection
Ask students to share one word describing how they feel after the first session. Remind them of the next date/time. Thank them for their courage in showing up.
Common Ground Icebreaker Activity Sheet Common Ground
Building Connections & Breaking the Ice
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Instructions
Sometimes we feel like we are the only ones going through a difficult time. This activity is designed to show us that we have more in common than we think—and that this is a safe place to share those things. Follow the prompts below.
1 The "One Thing"
If you could share one thing about yourself that people usually don't see on the surface, what would it be?
2 Finding Connections
Find someone in the group who matches the descriptions below. Write their name in the box. You can use a person's name more than once if the group is small!
Loves music as a way to relax
Has a pet that makes them smile
Finds comfort in reading or stories
Prefers being outdoors when stressed
3 Group Hopes
What is one thing you hope this group helps you with over the next 6 weeks?
Safe Space Group Norms Poster Our Safe Space
Building trust, one step at a time.
Confidentiality: What stays here, stays here.
Respect: One person speaks at a time.
Empathy: Be kind to yourself and others.
Honesty: Safe to share how we really feel.
Support: We are in this together.
Signed by the Circle
Waves of Grief Lesson Plan Waves of Grief
Session 2: Understanding the Journey
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review Session 2 lesson plan
• Print Stages of Grief Handout
• Gather paper & colored pencils
• Prep space for art activity
Materials
Stages of Grief Handout
Art Supplies (paper, markers, pencils)
Why This Session?
Helping students recognize that their complex emotions are a natural part of grief reduces feelings of "otherness" and abnormality.
Objective
Understand the stages of grief and normalize the diverse feelings associated with personal loss.
Instructions
10 min
Introduction to Grief
Review the group's purpose. Distribute the Stages of Grief Handout. Explain that grief isn't a straight line—it's more like waves. Everyone's timeline and experience is unique and valid.
15 min
Group Discussion
Facilitate a discussion about the stages. "Which stage feels familiar right now?" "Have you felt more than one at once?" Normalize the range of emotions (anger, sadness, numbness, etc.) as healthy responses.
15 min
Creative Expression Exercise
Provide art supplies. Instruct students to create a piece of art representing their current feelings or a stage they identify with. Focus on the *feeling* rather than the quality of art. Allow voluntary sharing.
5 min
Closing Reflection
Reflect on what was learned. How can this understanding help support themselves and others? Remind them of the next meeting.
Stages of Grief Handout Waves of Grief
Understanding the Journey
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Important to Remember
Grief is not a linear process. You don't "finish" one stage and move to the next like levels in a video game. It's more like waves in an ocean—sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes a big wave hits when you least expect it. All of these feelings are normal.
1
Denial
"This can't be happening."
Feeling numb or in shock. It's the brain's way of protecting us from too much pain all at once. You might feel like you're in a dream or that things aren't real.
2
Anger
"Why is this happening? It's not fair!"
Feeling frustrated or upset with the world, with others, or even with the person who is gone. Anger is a natural outlet for the pain we feel inside.
3
Bargaining
"If only I had done this, then maybe..."
Thinking about "what if" or "if only" scenarios. We try to find a way to change what happened or find a sense of control in a situation where we have none.
4
Depression
"I'm too sad to do anything."
Feeling deep sadness, loneliness, or a lack of motivation. This is the stage where the reality of the loss truly sets in. It's okay to feel sad and to take your time.
5
Acceptance
"I'm going to be okay."
Accepting the reality of the loss and finding a way to move forward. This doesn't mean you're "over it" or that you don't miss them—it just means you're learning to live with the new reality.
Reflection Question
Which of these "waves" have you felt most recently? How did it feel for you?
Tools for the Storm Lesson Plan Tools for the Storm
Session 3: Coping Strategies
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review Session 3 lesson plan
• Print Coping Strategies Handout
• Print Relaxation Script
• Setup audio/calming music
Materials
Coping Strategies Handout
Relaxation Exercise Script
Calming Music
Why This Session?
Equipping students with tangible tools to handle intense emotions helps reduce stress and prevents reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Objective
Identify and practice healthy coping strategies and relaxation techniques for managing grief.
Instructions
10 min
Introduction to Coping Strategies
Review the previous sessions. Distribute the Coping Strategies Handout. Define "coping mechanism" and discuss the difference between healthy (helpful long-term) and unhealthy (harmful or temporary relief only) strategies.
15 min
Group Discussion
What do students currently do when they feel overwhelmed? Facilitate sharing of personal experiences. Highlight that what works for one person may not work for another—it's about finding their own "toolkit."
15 min
Guided Relaxation Exercise
Introduce relaxation as a proactive tool. Use the Relaxation Exercise Script. Play music softly. Encourage students to participate fully but respect those who may feel uncomfortable (they can just sit quietly).
5 min
Closing Reflection
How did the relaxation exercise feel? Encourage students to try one healthy strategy from the handout before the next meeting.
Coping Strategies Handout Your Toolkit
Healthy Strategies for Hard Days
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Healthy Coping
Gives long-term relief & helps you heal
Talking to a trusted friend or adult
Writing in a journal or drawing
Physical activity (running, sports)
Listening to music that helps you feel
Deep breathing or meditation
Getting enough sleep and healthy food
Unhealthy Coping
Temporary escape that causes more harm
Withdrawing completely from everyone
Hiding or "stuffing" your emotions
Using drugs or alcohol to go numb
Taking anger out on others
Skipping school or falling behind
Hurting yourself in any way
My Top 3 Tools
Which three healthy strategies from the list above (or your own ideas) will you commit to trying this week when things feel hard?
Quick Strategy: The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
When you feel panicked or overwhelmed, stop and name: 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This grounds you in the present moment.
Relaxation Exercise Script Relaxation Script
For Facilitator Use • Session 3
Note to Facilitator: Read slowly and calmly. Pause for 3-5 seconds wherever you see "[Pause]". Ensure background music is low and non-distracting.
Introduction
"Find a comfortable position. You can close your eyes if you feel safe doing so, or simply lower your gaze to the floor. Rest your hands in your lap or at your sides. Let's start by taking a deep breath in through your nose... and slowly out through your mouth. [Pause]"
Body Awareness
"Bring your attention to your feet. Feel them resting on the floor. Imagine any tension or heavy feelings draining out of your body, through your feet, and into the ground. [Pause] Notice your shoulders. Often we carry our grief there. Let them drop. Imagine they are becoming heavy and relaxed. [Pause]"
Visualisation
"Imagine a place where you feel completely safe and at peace. It could be a beach, a forest, a favorite room, or even a place you've only imagined. Look around this place. What do you see? [Pause] What do you hear? [Pause] How does the air feel? Stay in this peaceful place for a moment, knowing it is always there for you whenever you need to visit. [Pause]"
Return
"Slowly, bring your attention back to the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Take one more deep, cleansing breath... and when you're ready, slowly open your eyes."
End of Script
The Safety Net Lesson Plan The Safety Net
Session 4: Building Support Networks
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review Session 4 lesson plan
• Print Support Network Mapping Worksheets
• Gather pens & markers
Materials
Support Network Mapping Worksheet
Pens & Markers
Why This Session?
Grief can feel isolating. Identifying a broad network of supporters reminds students they don't have to carry their loss alone and highlights different types of help available.
Objective
Identify and map out personal support systems including family, friends, and community resources for ongoing care.
Instructions
10 min
Introduction to Support Networks
Review the group's journey so far. Discuss what a "support network" is: the people and places we can go to when we need help. Explain that a strong net has many different "strands."
15 min
Group Discussion
Who are the different types of people in our lives? (e.g., family, friends, teachers, coaches, counselors, religious leaders). Encourage sharing stories of when someone else's support made a difference.
15 min
Support Network Mapping Exercise
Distribute the Mapping Worksheet. Instruct students to place themselves at the center and map out their supporters in the various circles. Remind them that it's okay if some circles feel "fuller" than others. Voluntary sharing.
5 min
Closing Reflection
Reflect on the "net" they've mapped out. Who is one person they could reach out to this week if they feel a "wave" coming on?
Support Network Mapping Worksheet My Safety Net
Mapping Your Support System
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Write your name in the center circle. In the surrounding circles, write the names of people, places, or resources you can turn to for different types of support.
ME
Family & Home
Friends & Peers
School Staff
Community & Mentors
Helpful Groups
Other Supporters
The "Listen" Person
Who is someone on your map who is a great listener when you just need to talk?
The "Distract" Person
Who is someone who is great at doing something fun to help you take a break?
"Asking for help isn't giving up. It's refusing to give up."
Voices of the Heart Lesson Plan Voices of the Heart
Session 5: Expressing Emotions
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review Session 5 lesson plan
• Print Emotional Expression Handout
• Gather journals/notebooks & pens
Materials
Emotional Expression Handout
Journals or Notebooks
Pens
Why This Session?
Internalized emotions can lead to physical and mental strain. Helping students find safe, creative outlets for their feelings is a key step in long-term processing.
Objective
Explore and practice healthy ways to express complex emotions related to grief through writing and discussion.
Instructions
10 min
Introduction to Emotional Expression
Check in with the group. Distribute the Emotional Expression Handout. Discuss why "keeping it all in" can be difficult. Brainstorm different ways to let emotions out (talking, art, physical activity, writing).
15 min
Group Discussion
Facilitate a discussion on the importance of finding a safe outlet. What makes it hard to talk about feelings? What happens when we *do* share? Encourage students to reflect on the benefits of being heard.
15 min
Journaling Exercise
Provide journals. Instruct students to write about a recent experience related to their grief. Use prompts: "Today I felt...", "The hardest part lately is...", or "One thing I miss is...". Allow voluntary sharing.
5 min
Closing Reflection
How did writing feel? Remind them that journaling is a private, safe space they can use any time. One more session to go.
Emotional Expression Handout Express Yourself
Finding Your Outlet
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Why Express Your Emotions?
Emotions are like energy. If we keep them bottled up, that energy has nowhere to go and can make us feel tired, stressed, or even physically sick. When we find a "voice" for our feelings, we start to take back control.
Talking
Sharing with a friend, parent, or counselor. Sometimes just saying the words out loud makes them feel less heavy.
Writing
Journaling, poetry, or writing a letter to the person you lost (even if you never send it).
Creating
Drawing, painting, making music, or even building something. Art lets you express things that words can't always describe.
Moving
Running, dancing, or playing a sport. Physical movement is a powerful way to release intense energy like anger or frustration.
Journaling Prompts
If you aren't sure where to start, try one of these. Use the space below for a quick thought, or your journal for a longer piece.
1. "If I could tell you one thing today, it would be..."
2. "One memory that still makes me smile is..."
3. "Right now, my heart feels like a..." (e.g., a storm, a quiet room, a heavy weight)
My Quick Reflection
Finding the Light Lesson Plan Finding the Light
Session 6: Moving Forward
Duration: 45 Minutes
Audience: 8th Grade Students
Preparation
• Review Session 6 lesson plan
• Print Goal-Setting Worksheets
• Print Inspirational Quotes Handout
• Gather pens
Materials
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Inspirational Quotes Handout
Pens
Why This Session?
The final session transitions students from processing the past to looking toward the future. Goal-setting fosters hope and a sense of agency in their healing journey.
Objective
Focus on personal growth, find hope through shared quotes, and set future-oriented goals for healing and aspiration.
Instructions
10 min
Introduction to Moving Forward
Welcome the group for the final time. Discuss the concept of "moving forward" versus "moving on." Explain that we carry our loved ones with us as we grow. Discuss finding hope even in hard times.
15 min
Group Discussion
How have students grown or changed over the last 6 weeks? Distribute the Inspirational Quotes Handout. Read them aloud. Which ones resonate? Use this to spark a conversation about resilience.
15 min
Goal-Setting Exercise
Distribute the Goal-Setting Worksheet. Instruct students to set one short-term (this month) and one long-term (this year) goal. These can be related to healing, school, or personal hobbies. Voluntary sharing.
5 min
Closing Reflection
Reflect on the journey. Thank the group for their bravery and openness. Remind them of school resources if they need support later. Provide a final encouraging word.
Goal-Setting Worksheet Looking Ahead
Setting Goals for Your Future
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Growth & Hope
We've spent the last six weeks looking at our grief, our coping tools, and our support systems. Now, it's time to look forward. Setting goals helps us see that there is still a future ahead of us—a future that can be full of purpose and joy.
Short-Term Goal (Next 30 Days)
Example: "I will write in my journal twice a week" or "I will try out for the basketball team."
My Goal:
One person who can help me achieve this:
Long-Term Goal (This Year)
Example: "I will finish 8th grade with passing grades" or "I will learn to play a new instrument."
My Goal:
One step I can take toward this goal today:
My Vision
Draw or write one thing you are most looking forward to in your future.
Inspirational Quotes Handout Words of Hope
Carry these with you on your journey.
"Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love."
— Elizabeth I
"What is grief, if not love persevering?"
— Vision
"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss... You will heal and you will rebuild yourself."
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise."
— Victor Hugo
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
— A.A. Milne
Your Favorite Quote
Write a quote that means something special to you.
A Final Thought
"Healing takes time, and that's okay. You have already shown so much strength just by being here. Keep moving forward, one small step at a time."
