Healing Hearts Lesson Plan Healing Hearts
Grief Support Series Lesson Plan
Audience: 2nd Grade Student
Time: 5 sessions (30 mins each)
Approach: Interactive stories & reflection
Why This Matters
Helps a young student navigate complex emotions after a loss, building emotional literacy and healthy coping skills to foster healing and resilience.
Objective
Guide a 2nd grade student to identify and express grief-related emotions, learn coping strategies, and create a personal memory project to process loss.
Teacher Prep
Review Slide Deck and Session Script.
Print/assemble Worksheet, Memory Box Template, and Journal Pages.
Prepare Flashcards and Discussion Cards (print & cut).
Print the Quiz for Session 5 assessment.
Familiarize yourself with "Butterfly in My Heart".
Session Breakdown
Session 1: Identifying Feelings
30 Minutes
Read "Butterfly in My Heart" to introduce grief and feelings.
Use Discussion Prompt Cards for open-ended sharing.
Use Feelings Words Flashcards to match words to faces.
End with a quick reflection: draw one feeling in Reflection Journal Pages .
Session 2: Expressing Emotions
30 Minutes
Review the emotion drawn last session in the Journal .
Use Feelings Expression Worksheet to draw/write about a memory.
Play "Emotion Charades" using the flashcards.
Journal: write or draw one new thought about the activity.
Session 3: Coping Strategies
30 Minutes
Introduce coping strategies via Slide Deck .
Play Coping Strategies Sorting Game (Physical, Creative, Support).
Discuss scenarios and choose one coping strategy to practice.
Journal: pick one strategy and describe when to use it.
Session 4: Memory and Tribute
30 Minutes
Read script excerpts about remembering loved ones.
Decorate and fill the Memory Box Template .
Share one fond memory while working.
Journal: write how the box helps them remember.
Session 5: Reflection and Celebration
30 Minutes
Review emotions and strategies using the Quiz .
Student presents Memory Box and shares learnings.
Celebrate progress and discuss future strategy use.
Final journal: write a closing message to their loved one.
Healing Hearts Slides Healing Hearts
A 5-session journey to understand feelings and remember someone we love.
Teacher Notes: Welcome the student warmly. Explain that over the next five sessions, you will read stories, talk about feelings, play games, and make a special project together.
What Is Grief?
Grief is the feeling in our heart when we miss someone special.
It can feel sad, angry, or even confused.
Everyone grieves in their own way.
Teacher Notes: Define grief in simple terms. Tell the student it’s okay to feel many different feelings when we miss someone.
Emotions We Might Feel
😢
Sad
😠
Angry
😨
Scared
😊
Happy
🤔
Confused
Teacher Notes: Show emotion faces or flashcards alongside this slide. Encourage the student to name times they felt each emotion.
Session 1:
Identifying Feelings
Read "Butterfly in My Heart."
Talk with prompt cards about the story.
Match feeling words to faces.
Draw one feeling in your journal.
Teacher Notes: Introduce Session 1 activities: reading the story, using prompt cards, matching feeling words, and drawing.
Session 2:
Expressing Emotions
Look back at your feeling drawing.
Draw or write a memory on the worksheet.
Play Emotion Charades with flashcards.
Journal a new thought or feeling.
Teacher Notes: Explain Session 2: revisiting last drawing, feelings worksheet, charades game, and journaling.
Session 3:
Coping Strategies
Learn healthy ways to cope (talk, draw, move).
Sort strategies into Physical, Creative, or Support-Based.
Role-play a scenario and choose a strategy.
Journal when you might use it.
Teacher Notes: Guide the student through sorting coping strategies and practicing one. Use examples from their life.
Session 4:
Memory and Tribute
Read about keeping memories alive.
Decorate and fill your Memory Box.
Add drawings, notes, or small keepsakes.
Share one favorite memory.
Teacher Notes: Help the student remember the loved one with a memory box. Encourage sharing stories as they create.
Healing Hearts Session Script Healing Hearts: Session Script
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Note to Facilitator: This script provides word-for-word prompts for each 30-minute session. Follow the prompts, display referenced materials, and pause for student responses. Use a gentle, supportive tone throughout.
1
Session 1: Identifying Feelings
1. Welcome & Introduction
Show Slide 1
“Hi there! I’m so glad we get to spend time together for our first Healing Hearts session. Over the next few weeks, we’ll read a story, talk about feelings, play games, and even create something special to remember someone we love.”
2. Read the Story
Hold up 'Butterfly in My Heart' storybook
“Today we’re reading ‘Butterfly in My Heart.’ As I read, see if you notice how the character feels when they remember someone special.”
*Read the story at a gentle pace, showing pictures.*
3. Discussion with Prompt Cards
Shuffle Discussion Prompt Cards and draw one
“Let’s talk. Here’s a question: ‘What did you notice about how the character felt when the butterfly flew away?’”
*Pause for student answer.*
“Have you ever felt a little like that?”
*Draw another card and ask a new open question.*
4. Feelings Matching
Show Feelings Words Flashcards and faces
“Here are some words that name feelings, and here are faces showing feelings. Can you match the word ‘sad’ to the right face?”
*Student matches.*
“Great! Now try ‘happy,’ ‘angry,’ ‘scared,’ and ‘confused.’”
5. Quick Reflection Drawing
Hand out Reflection Journal Pages
“Now I’d like you to draw one feeling you had today—maybe one we talked about. Take your time.”
Wait for Student to Draw
“Would you like to tell me about your drawing?”
Wrap-up
“You did a wonderful job today noticing feelings. I can’t wait for next time!”
2
Session 2: Expressing Emotions
1. Welcome & Journal Review
Open Journal Pages
“Welcome back! Let’s look at the feeling you drew last time. Which emotion did you choose?”
2. Feelings Expression Worksheet
Hand out Worksheet
“Think of a memory that makes you feel that same emotion. Draw or write about that memory on this worksheet.”
Work Time
“What did you choose to draw or write about?”
3. Emotion Charades Game
Use Flashcards
“We’re going to play Emotion Charades. I’ll pick a card and act out the feeling without using words. You guess, then we switch! Here I go.”
Butterfly in My Heart Storybook Butterfly in
My Heart
A Story About Remembering
🌸 👵 🦋
Mia loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden. Together, they planted bright flowers and watched butterflies dance from bloom to bloom. Grandma always said, “Butterflies carry our happiest memories on their wings.”
One sunny morning, Grandma wasn’t there to share tea and smiles. Mia’s heart felt heavy, like a raincloud inside her chest. She missed her grandma’s gentle laugh and warm hugs.
☀️ 🦋 🪟
Later that day, Mia saw an orange butterfly flutter onto her windowsill. Its wings shimmered in the sunlight. Mia whispered, “Is that you, Grandma?” She reached out her hand, and the butterfly landed softly on her finger.
In that moment, Mia felt a small sparkle of warmth. She remembered Grandma’s stories and how they used to laugh together. Mia realized that even though Grandma was gone, her love was still all around—like a butterfly carrying her memory.
🦋 💖 🌷
From then on, whenever Mia felt sad, she looked for butterflies in the garden. Each time one appeared, Mia smiled and knew that Grandma’s love was with her.
The butterfly in her heart helped her feel both the sadness of missing someone and the joy of remembering them.
This gentle story reminds us that feelings of loss can live side by side with happy memories. Whenever you miss someone special, you can think of a butterfly carrying your loving thoughts.
Healing Hearts Discussion Cards Discussion Prompt Cards
Print on cardstock, cut along the lines, and use during Session 1.
“What did you notice about how Mia felt when her grandma wasn’t there?”
“What do you think Grandma’s butterfly means in the story?”
“Have you ever felt a little like Mia when you miss someone you love?”
“Can you tell me one happy memory you have of someone special?”
“What do you do to help yourself feel better when you feel sad?”
“If your feeling today were a color, what color would it be and why?”
“Where in your body do you feel your emotions, like sad or happy?”
“What would you say to your loved one if they were here right now?”
Cards 9 and 10 follow on next page
Feelings Flashcards Feelings Words Flashcards
😢
Sad
😠
Angry
😨
Scared
😊
Happy
🤔
Confused
Print on cardstock and cut out for Session 1 Matching and Session 2 Charades.
Feelings Expression Worksheet Feelings Expression
Student Name:
Date:
1. Choose a Feeling
Circle one of the feelings below that you want to talk about today:
😢 Sad
😠 Angry
😨 Scared
😊 Happy
🤔 Confused
2. Think of a Memory
What memory makes you feel this way? Describe it in a few words:
3. Draw Your Memory
4. Write About Your Memory
Write one or two sentences explaining your drawing and how it shows your feeling:
5. How Does This Memory Help You?
Does thinking about this memory make you feel better, sad, or something else? Explain why.
Coping Strategies Sorting Game Coping Strategies Sorting Game
Session 3 Activity: Categorizing healthy ways to cope.
How to Play
1. Cut out the strategy cards below. 2. Set up three zones: Physical (movement), Creative (art/writing), and Support (talking/help). 3. Have the student draw a card and place it in the right category.
Take deep breaths
Go for a walk or run
Stretch or do jumping jacks
Draw or paint a picture
Write in your journal
Listen to calming music
Make a memory collage
Talk to a friend or adult
Ask for a hug or help
Count to ten slowly
Memory Box Template Memory Box Template
Decorate, cut, and assemble your special box to hold memories.
1. Decorate the Outside
Draw Your Design Here
2. Their Name
In Memory Of:
3. Inside the Lid
Draw one happy memory or symbol inside the top lid.
4. Cut, Fold, and Assemble
1. Cut along the solid lines.
2. Fold along the dotted lines.
3. Use glue or tape on the tabs to form the box shape.
Reflection Journal Pages Reflection Journal
A Place for Your Thoughts and Memories
Session 1 Reflection
Date: ____________
1. Draw one feeling you noticed today while reading “Butterfly in My Heart.”
2. Write one sentence about why you chose that feeling.
Session 2 Reflection
Date: ____________
1. Write or draw one new thought or feeling you discovered during our Emotion Charades game.
2. How did playing the game help you notice or express that feeling?
Session 5: Final Message
Date: ____________
1. Draw or write a final message to your loved one as part of our closing ritual.
Keep this journal and look back on your reflections whenever you need a kind reminder.
Quiz: Emotions and Coping Emotions and Coping Quiz
Healing Hearts: Session 5 Assessment
Name:
1
Which face shows someone who is sad?
😊
😢
😠
2
Which word matches this face: 😨?
Happy
Scared
Confused
3
If you feel overwhelmed by big feelings, which strategy could help you calm down?
Take deep breaths
Yell
Ignore your feelings
4
Write down two coping strategies you learned:
5
What will you do next time you feel a strong emotion? Draw or write your plan below: Space Savvy Lesson Plan Space Savvy
Personal Space & Boundaries Series
Audience: 2nd Grade Small Group
Time: 6 sessions (30 mins each)
Focus: Respect & Communication
Why This Matters
Early awareness of personal space builds social-emotional skills, fosters empathy, and reduces misunderstandings. Developing communication around comfort levels empowers children to advocate for themselves and respect others.
Objective
Guide 2nd graders to understand personal space, recognize comfort zones, and practice respectful boundary-setting through stories, visuals, and role-play.
Teacher Prep
Review Slides and Session Script.
Print/display the Space Zones Poster.
Prepare Prompt Cards and Role-Play Cards.
Print I-Message Worksheets and Respect Contracts.
Review "My Bubble Matters" storybook.
Session Breakdown
1: What Is Personal Space?
30M
Read "My Bubble Matters", discuss experiences, and draw bubbles in journals.
2: Zones of Space
30M
Explore Intimate, Personal, and Social zones. Play "Zone Freeze" game.
3: Comfort Levels
30M
Discuss feelings when space is invaded. Introduce and practice I-Messages.
4: Role-Play Boundaries
30M
Use Role-Play Cards to practice setting boundaries in common scenarios.
5: Respect Contract
30M
Brainstorm and sign a group contract for keeping bubbles safe.
6: Celebrate & Reflect
30M
Share successes, take post-test, and end with the group cheer.
Materials: Slides, Script, Storybook, Discussion Cards, Zones Poster, Role-Play Cards, Worksheets, Contract, Journal, Pre/Post Tests.
Space Savvy Slides Space Savvy
Exploring Personal Space & Healthy Boundaries
A 6-Session Journey for 2nd Graders
What Is Personal Space?
Personal space is the invisible bubble around you.
Everyone’s bubble is a different size .
Your bubble helps you feel safe .
Zones of Space
Intimate
Very close
Personal
Arm's length
Social
Several steps
Session 1:
What Is Personal Space?
Session 6:
Celebrate & Reflect
Share how you used boundaries.
Take the Quick Quiz.
Final Journal entry.
Cheer: “My bubble, my right!”
Going Forward
Use your bubble every day.
Speak up with I-Messages.
Keep the Respect Contract visible.
Give respect and get respect!
Space Savvy Session Script Space Savvy: Facilitation Script
6-Session Small Group Guide
Note: Follow the prompts below for each 30-minute session. Always pause for student responses and use positive reinforcement.
1
Session 1: What Is Personal Space?
Teacher: “Welcome everyone to our first Space Savvy session! Today we’re going to talk about something called 'Personal Space.' Imagine there is an invisible bubble around your whole body. That’s your space!”
Activity: “Let’s read 'My Bubble Matters' together. Pay attention to how the characters feel about their bubbles.”
Prompt: “Look at your Discussion Cards. Question 1: ‘Can you tell us about a time someone stood too close? How did that make you feel?’ ”
Journal: “In your Reflection Journal, draw your personal bubble. Is it a small bubble, a medium one, or a large one? Label it!”
2
Session 2: Zones of Space
Teacher: “Last time we talked about our bubbles. Did you know there are different sizes for different people? Look at this Space Zones Poster .”
Explanation: “The Intimate Zone is for family (hugs!). The Personal Zone is for friends (talking). The Social Zone is for teachers or people you don’t know well (waving).”
Game: “Let’s play Zone Freeze ! I’ll call out a zone, and you move to the right distance from our Zone Anchor.”
Journal: “Draw where you feel safe talking to friends versus talking to teachers.”
3
Session 3: Comfort Levels
Teacher: “Sometimes people enter our bubble without asking. How does that feel? Today we learn how to use an I-Message to speak up for our space.”
Modeling: “I say: ‘I feel uncomfortable when you stand too close. Please give me a little more space.’ ”
Activity: “Let’s use our I-Message Worksheet to practice writing our own messages for different situations.”
4
Session 4: Role-Play Boundaries
Teacher: “Time to put our I-Messages into action! We’re going to use our Boundary Buddy Cards to act out real-life situations.”
Exercise: “Pair up. One person will be the ‘Invader’ and the other will use their I-Message. Then switch!”
Personal Space Storybook 'My Bubble Matters' My Bubble
Matters
A Story About Space
👦 🫧 ✨
Leo has a secret. Everywhere he goes, he carries an invisible bubble. It’s not made of soap and water. It’s his Personal Space Bubble .
When his bubble is just the right size, Leo feels safe and happy. He can play, learn, and dream inside his cozy space.
🏃 📢 💨
But sometimes, friends run too fast or stand too close. When they step inside Leo’s bubble without asking, his heart starts to beat fast. He feels squished, like a sardine in a can!
Leo learned a special trick. He uses his brave voice and says, “I need a little more space, please.” When he speaks up, his bubble grows back to its perfect, comfortable size.
🤝 🫧 🌈
Leo also respects other people’s bubbles. He knows that his friends, his teachers, and even his cat have their own space.
By respecting bubbles, everyone feels safe and cared for. Because in our classroom, every bubble matters!
Remember: Your bubble is your right. Speaking up for your space shows you are Space Savvy !
Space Zones Poster Space Zones
Understanding Your Invisible Bubble
Intimate Zone
Distance: Very Close
For trusted family members and best friends.
Personal Zone
Distance: Arm's Length
A comfortable distance for talking with friends.
Social Zone
Distance: 3-4 Steps Away
For classmates, teachers, and people you are meeting.
"If you aren't sure which zone to use, stay at arm's length (the Personal Zone) and watch for comfort clues!"
Space Savvy Discussion Cards Discussion Prompt Cards: Space Stories
Print, cut out, and use to spark conversations about personal space.
“Can you tell us about a time someone stood too close? How did that make you feel?”
“What does your personal bubble look like? How big is it when you play with friends?”
“How do you know when someone is in your personal space? What clues do you notice?”
“What can you say or do if someone gets too close and you don’t like it?”
“Who do you feel comfortable letting into your bubble? Why?”
“How might your bubble change when talking to a teacher or a family member?”
“What can you do to show someone they are respecting your space?”
“When stepping into someone else’s space, what should you do first?”
Zone Freeze Game Guide Zone Freeze Game
Active Practice for Spatial Awareness
Game Objective
Help students physically feel and remember the three personal space zones (Intimate, Personal, Social) through movement and immediate feedback.
How to Play
1
Setup the Zones
Review the poster. Remind students: Intimate = Arm's length; Personal = 2 arms; Social = 3 large steps.
2
The Zone Anchor
Choose one student to be the "Anchor" in the center. All others line up at the far end of the room.
3
Call and Move
Teacher calls out a zone: “Intimate!”, “Personal!”, or “Social!”
4
Freeze!
Once students arrive at the right distance, yell "FREEZE!" Check positions and praise correct placement.
Debrief Questions
“Which zone was easiest to find? Which was hardest?”
“How did you know when you were standing the right distance?”
“Why is it important to use these zones with different people?”
Boundary Buddy Cards Boundary Buddy Role-Play Cards
Practice using I-Messages in common school situations.
CARD 1
Scenario: A friend leans over your desk while you’re working.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when you lean over my desk. Please ________.”
CARD 2
Scenario: A classmate touches your backpack without asking.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when you touch my backpack. Please ________.”
CARD 3
Scenario: Someone grabs your pencil without permission.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when you take my pencil. Please ________.”
CARD 4
Scenario: A peer asks to share your snack but you don’t want to.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when you ask for my snack. I’d prefer ________.”
CARD 5
Scenario: A friend asks to hug you but you’re not comfortable.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when you hug me. Could you please ________?”
CARD 6
Scenario: Someone wants to play a game you don’t like.
I-Message Prompt:
“I feel ________ when we play that game. I would like ________.”
I-Message Worksheet I-Message Worksheet
Student Name:
Date:
What Is an I-Message?
1. I feel...
2. when you...
3. Please...
Example: “I feel sad when you stand too close. Please give me a little more space.”
Scenario 1: A friend stands too close to you in line.
“I feel _____________________________ when _____________________________ .
Scenario 2: Someone grabs your pencil without asking.
“I feel _____________________________ when _____________________________ .
Scenario 3: A classmate taps your shoulder many times.
“I feel _____________________________ when _____________________________ .
Respect Contract Template Group Agreement
Respect Contract
Keeping Everyone's Bubble Safe
Our Promises
1
2
3
4
5
Signed by the Space Savvy Team
Student Signature
Student Signature
Student Signature
Teacher Signature
My Bubble, My Right!
Reflection Journal Pages: Space Savvy Space Savvy Journal
Personal Reflection Pages
Session 1: My Bubble
DATE: ____________
1. Draw your personal bubble. How big is it?
2. Why does personal space matter to you?
Session 3: I-Messages
DATE: ____________
1. Think of a time someone came too close. How did it feel?
2. Write an I-Message you could use:
“I feel ___________________ when you ___________________ . Please ___________________ .”
Session 6: Final Takeaway
DATE: ____________
What is the most important thing you learned in Space Savvy?
You are a Space Savvy Superhero!
Space Savvy Pre-Test Pre-Test: Space Savvy
Let's see what you already know about personal space!
Name:
1
Which zone is best for talking with your friends?
Intimate
Personal
Social
2
Which zone is for people you are very close to, like family?
Intimate
Personal
Social
3
Which zone is for people you don’t know very well or in class?
Intimate
Personal
Social
4
Write an I-Message you could use if someone stands too close to you.
5
Why do you think personal space is important? Space Savvy Post-Test Post-Test: Space Savvy
Show off what you learned about boundaries!
Name:
1
Which zone is for your best friend?
Intimate
Personal
Social
2
Which zone is for people you don’t know very well?
Intimate
Personal
Social
3
Which zone is a comfortable distance for talking with friends?
Intimate
Personal
Social
4
Write an I-Message you could use if someone stands too close:
“I feel ___________________ when you ___________________ . Please ___________________ .”
5
Name one thing you can do when someone enters your bubble:
Write your answer here...
6
Why is it important to respect other people’s personal space?
Congratulations! You finished the Space Savvy program!
