Session 1 Lesson Plan Journey Through Grief
Session 1 Lesson Plan: What Is Grief?
30 Minutes
Elementary Tier 2
Why This Matters
Teaching grief awareness helps students understand and articulate difficult emotions, builds empathy among peers, and lays the foundation for healthy coping strategies throughout the program.
Objective
Students will learn what grief means by defining it together and exploring related emotions. They will identify personal feelings, recognize grief-related emotions, and express their thoughts through drawing.
Approach
Interactive discussion and expressive activities designed to build safety and emotional literacy.
Preparation (5 mins)
Print/laminate Feelings Chart Poster
Print and cut Grief Definition Cards
Arrange seating in a circle
Prepare drawing paper and crayons
Materials Checklist
Feelings Chart Poster
Grief Definition Cards
Sticky Notes
Drawing Paper
Crayons & Markers
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up: Check-In Circle
Gather students in a circle.
Invite each student to share one word describing how they feel today.
Acknowledge all responses to build a safe environment.
10 min
Main Activity: Defining Grief
Show the **Grief Definition Cards** one by one.
Read each definition aloud and discuss what grief means.
Place students’ ideas on the **Feelings Chart Poster**.
10 min
Discussion: Recognizing Emotions
Ask: “What kinds of feelings might come with grief?”
Use the **Feelings Chart Poster** to identify and label emotions.
Encourage students to add sticky notes with personal examples to the poster.
5 min
Cool-Down: Reflection Drawing
Distribute drawing paper and crayons.
Invite students to draw a feeling they associate with grief.
Collect drawings to review next session.
Session 1 Slides Presentation Journey Through Grief
Session 1: What Is Grief?
A Safe Space for Big Feelings
Teacher Notes: Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that this series will help them explore and understand feelings after a loss. Emphasize that this is a safe space where all feelings are valid.
Session 1 Objectives
Teacher Notes: Read each objective aloud and check that students understand the terms “identify,” “recognize,” and “express.”
Warm-Up: Check-In Circle
Sit in a circle.
Share one word that describes how you feel today.
Listen and acknowledge each person.
Teacher Notes: Explain that everyone will share one word about how they feel right now. Model with your own word first.
Defining Grief
Grief is the strong feelings we have after a loss.
Feelings can include sadness, anger, confusion, or relief.
Grief is different for everyone.
Teacher Notes: Show the physical Grief Definition Cards as you talk through each one.
Feelings Chart Activity
Look at the Feelings Chart Poster .
What words describe feelings you might have during grief?
Add your ideas with sticky notes!
Teacher Notes: Display or point to the Feelings Chart Poster. Invite students to come up and place ideas, words, or synonyms around the chart.
Recognizing Emotions
What feelings came up when we talked about grief?
Which feelings surprise you?
How do you know when you’re feeling sad or angry?
Teacher Notes: Guide discussion using prompts. Encourage quieter students to share by inviting them gently.
Cool-Down: Reflection Drawing
Take a sheet of paper and crayons.
Draw a feeling you associate with grief.
Use colors and shapes that match your emotion.
Teacher Notes: Provide drawing supplies. Remind students there’s no right or wrong way to draw feelings—this is personal.
Thank You for Sharing!
Today we defined grief and identified related feelings.
Next time: Healthy ways to cope.
Teacher Notes: Praise the effort and courage of everyone. Preview next session’s topic: coping strategies.
Session 1 Feelings Chart Poster Feelings of Grief
"Grief is different for everyone. All feelings are welcome here."
What are you feeling today?
Place your sticky notes around the circle
Sadness
Anger
Confusion
Relief
Fear
Numbness
There are no "wrong" feelings. You can feel many things at once.
Session 1 Grief Definition Cards Grief Definition Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these to guide the discussion in Session 1.
What is Grief?
Grief is the strong, sometimes messy feelings we have inside after we lose someone or something very important to us.
What is Loss?
Loss is when something or someone we love is no longer with us. It might be a person, a pet, or a major change in our lives.
Changing Feelings
Grief feelings are like waves. Sometimes they are big and scary, and sometimes they are small and quiet. They can change many times a day.
Unique Journeys
No two people grieve the same way. Your journey through grief is yours alone, and there is no "right" way to feel.
Teaching Tip: Invite students to share which card they connect with most or which one helps them understand their own feelings better.
Session 2 Lesson Plan Journey Through Grief
Session 2 Lesson Plan: Coping Strategies
30 Minutes
Elementary Tier 2
Why This Matters
Equipping students with coping strategies gives them tools to manage grief, reduces overwhelming feelings, and supports emotional resilience.
Objective
Students will identify healthy coping strategies for grief, practice selected techniques, and reflect on how these strategies affect their emotions.
Approach
Hands-on practice and reflective discussion to find personalized tools for emotional regulation.
Preparation (5 mins)
Print/cut Coping Strategy Cards
Print Feelings Check-In Worksheets
Set up 3 practice stations
Prepare journals and writing supplies
Materials Checklist
Coping Strategy Cards
Feelings Check-In Worksheet
Stress Balls
Reflection Journals
Crayons & Markers
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up: Feelings Check-In
Gather students in a circle.
Distribute the **Feelings Check-In Worksheet**.
Invite students to circle or color feelings they’ve experienced this week.
Briefly share one feeling aloud with the group.
8 min
Introduction: Coping Strategies
Show the **Coping Strategy Cards** one by one.
Read each strategy aloud and explain how it can help when feeling grief.
Ask students if they’ve tried any and what they noticed.
12 min
Activity: Strategy Practice Stations
Divide students into small groups.
Set up three stations: **guided breathing**, **stress ball squeezing**, and **journaling**.
Provide instructions at each station (refer to **Coping Strategy Cards**).
Rotate groups every 4 minutes so each student tries all strategies.
5 min
Cool-Down: Reflection Journaling
Return to circle seating. Distribute reflection journals.
Invite students to write or draw which strategy they liked and why.
Collect journals or invite volunteers to share their reflections.
Session 2 Slides Presentation Journey Through Grief
Session 2: Coping Strategies
Building Your Toolbox
Teacher Notes: Welcome back! Remind students that today we’ll practice healthy ways to cope with grief and that it’s okay to try different strategies until you find what works best.
Session 2 Objectives
1
Identify healthy coping strategies for grief
2
Practice selected techniques at stations
3
Reflect on how these strategies affect your feelings
Teacher Notes: Read each objective aloud and check for understanding. Clarify any vocabulary (identify, practice, reflect).
Warm-Up: Feelings Check-In
Take out your Feelings Check-In Worksheet .
Circle or color the feelings you’ve experienced this week.
Share one feeling and why you chose it.
Teacher Notes: Model how to complete the Feelings Check-In Worksheet first. Encourage students to be honest and remind them there are no right or wrong answers.
What is Coping?
Deep Breathing
Calms your body and mind when things feel big.
Stress Ball
Helps release physical tension or anger safely.
Journaling
Gets thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
Teacher Notes: Show each Coping Strategy Card and briefly demonstrate or describe it. Ask students if they’ve tried any before and what happened.
Practice Stations
We will divide into groups and rotate every 4 minutes!
01
Guided Breathing
Follow the prompts on the card.
02
Stress Ball
Focus on releasing tension.
03
Journaling
Write or draw in your journal.
Teacher Notes: Explain station rotations clearly: each group spends 4 minutes at each station, then rotates. Assign a helper at each station if possible.
Reflection Journaling
Take out your reflection journal.
Write or draw:
Which strategy did you like the most?
How did it make you feel?
Teacher Notes: Gather students back in the circle. Emphasize that all reflections are personal and valuable. Offer prompts if students need help.
Session 2 Coping Strategy Cards Coping Strategy Station Cards
Place one card at each practice station during Session 2.
STATION 1
Box Breathing
Breathe IN through your nose for 4 seconds.
HOLD your breath for 4 seconds.
Breathe OUT through your mouth for 4 seconds.
REST for 4 seconds and repeat.
STATION 2
Squeeze & Release
Pick up a stress ball.
Squeeze it as hard as you can with one hand.
Notice how your muscles feel tight.
Open your hand and let it go. Notice the relaxation.
STATION 3
Heart Journaling
Open your journal to a clean page.
Draw a big heart or a cloud.
Inside, write or draw three things that make you feel safe or happy.
Session 2 Feelings Check-In Worksheet Feelings Check-In
Journey Through Grief: Session 2
Name:
Date:
How have you been feeling this week?
Circle or color all the feelings that you have felt since our last group meeting.
Sad
Angry
Confused
Happy
Lonely
Worried
Quiet
Relieved
Is there one feeling you want to talk about today?
Every feeling is okay. We are glad you are here.
Session 3 Lesson Plan Journey Through Grief
Session 3 Lesson Plan: Sharing Memories
30 Minutes
Elementary Tier 2
Why This Matters
Sharing memories helps students acknowledge their feelings, fosters connection, and teaches them how to support one another through grief, building empathy and resilience.
Objective
Students will share memories of loved ones, create personalized memory boxes to honor those they miss, and practice offering peer support using specific prompts.
Approach
Collaborative storytelling and hands-on creation to normalize sharing and build a supportive community.
Preparation (5 mins)
Print/cut Memory Box Templates
Print/cut Peer Support Prompt Cards
Collect empty tissue boxes for group
Organize craft supplies at each seat
Materials Checklist
Memory Box Templates
Peer Support Prompt Cards
Empty Tissue Boxes
Stickers & Magazine Cutouts
Glue Sticks, Markers, Crayons
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up: Memory Sharing Circle
Gather students in a circle.
Invite each student to share one special memory of a person or pet they miss.
Encourage listeners to show empathy by nodding and giving supportive looks.
15 min
Activity: Memory Box Creation
Distribute an empty tissue box and the **Memory Box Template** to each student.
Provide glue sticks, stickers, magazine cutouts, markers, and crayons.
Invite students to decorate their boxes and add drawings or words that remind them of their loved one.
5 min
Discussion: Peer Support Sharing
Pair students and give each pair a **Peer Support Prompt Card**.
In pairs, take turns reading the prompt and discussing ways to support a friend who feels sad.
5 min
Cool-Down: Reflection and Closing
Return to the full circle. Invite volunteers to share their memory boxes.
Summarize: sharing memories honors those we miss and peer support helps us feel less alone.
Session 3 Slides Presentation Journey Through Grief
Session 3: Sharing Memories
Honoring Those We Love
Teacher Notes: Welcome back! Remind students today we’ll share memories of loved ones and learn how to support each other through grief.
Session 3 Objectives
1
Share personal memories of someone you miss
2
Create a Memory Box to honor those memories
3
Practice offering peer support with prompt cards
Teacher Notes: Read the objectives and ensure students know what they’ll accomplish today.
Warm-Up: Memory Sharing
Sit in a circle.
Share one special memory of a person or pet you miss.
Listen with empathy—nod and show you care.
Teacher Notes: Invite each student to think of one special memory. Model first to set the tone.
Memory Box Creation
1. Prepare
Get your empty tissue box and template.
2. Decorate
Use stickers, cutouts, markers, and crayons.
3. Personalize
Add words or drawings of your loved one.
4. Keep Safe
This is a safe place for your memories.
Teacher Notes: Distribute materials and encourage creativity. Circulate to assist and affirm.
Peer Support Practice
In pairs, use your Peer Support Prompt Cards .
Take turns reading a prompt and discussing how to help a friend who is sad.
Think About:
"What could you say to someone who is crying?"
"How can you show care to someone who misses someone?"
Teacher Notes: Pair students and hand out prompt cards. Model reading one prompt and responding.
Cool-Down: Reflection
"Sharing memories honors those we miss."
Think of one thing you learned today about memories or support.
Share Insight
Show Box
Teacher Notes: Gather the group and invite volunteers. Affirm every contribution.
Honoring & Supporting
Today we honored memories and practiced being a good friend.
Next time: Building hope and looking forward.
Session 3 Memory Box Template Memory Box Template
Cut out these panels and glue them onto an empty tissue box.
Memory Box
Honoring:
A Favorite Memory
Draw or write here...
What I Miss Most
Draw or write here...
Three Words to Describe You
Decoration Icons
Instructions: Use glue to attach the panels to the front, back, sides, and top of your tissue box. The box becomes a safe place to keep drawings, notes, or small items that remind you of your loved one.
Session 3 Peer Support Prompt Cards Peer Support Prompt Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these for the Session 3 pair activity.
What could you say to a friend who is crying because they miss someone?
How can you show care to a friend who is feeling lonely today?
What can you do if a friend doesn't want to talk and just needs to be quiet?
What is one way to be a good listener when someone is sharing a memory?
How can you help a friend who feels angry or frustrated about their loss?
How can we make our group a safe place for everyone to share their feelings?
Teaching Tip: Remind students that sometimes just being there and listening is the best support they can give.
Session 4 Lesson Plan Journey Through Grief
Session 4 Lesson Plan: Building Hope
30 Minutes
Elementary Tier 2
Why This Matters
Building hope helps students focus on positive possibilities after loss, strengthens resilience, and fosters a supportive community as they look forward together.
Objective
Students will explore hope through guided imagery, create personalized hope stones, set a small goal for the week, and make a group pledge to support one another.
Approach
Experiential visualization, creative expression, and reflective discussion to transition from the past to a hopeful future.
Preparation (5 mins)
Review Guided Imagery Script
Print Hope Stones Templates
Print Goal-Setting Worksheets
Collect smooth stones and cloth bags
Materials Checklist
Guided Imagery Script
Hope Stones Template
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Smooth Stones (one per student)
Cloth Bags & Markers
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up: Guided Imagery
Invite students to sit comfortably and close their eyes.
Read the **Guided Imagery Script** slowly, guiding them to a safe, hopeful place.
Afterward, ask for volunteers to share a word or image they experienced.
15 min
Activity: Hope Stone Creation
Distribute smooth stones and the **Hope Stones Template**.
Ask students to choose a word or symbol that represents hope for them.
Use markers to decorate their stones. Place each in its cloth bag.
5 min
Goal-Setting: Small Steps
Hand out the **Goal-Setting Worksheet**.
Guide students to write or draw one small, realistic goal for the week.
Encourage them to note one simple action they can take toward that goal.
5 min
Cool-Down: Group Pledge & Closing
Reconvene in a circle and share hope words or goals.
Lead the group in a pledge: “We will support each other, remember hope, and take small steps every day.”
Thank everyone for participating.
Session 4 Slides Presentation Journey Through Grief
Session 4: Building Hope
Looking Forward Together
Teacher Notes: Welcome back! Explain that today’s session will help you envision hope and create a tangible reminder for tomorrow.
Session 4 Objectives
1
Explore hope through guided imagery
2
Create a personalized Hope Stone
3
Set a small goal and make a group pledge
Teacher Notes: Read objectives aloud and ensure everyone understands the terms “explore,” “create,” “set,” and “pledge.”
Warm-Up: Guided Imagery
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Listen as I guide you to a hopeful place.
Think about what you saw or felt.
Teacher Notes: Guide students to close their eyes and breathe deeply. Read the Guided Imagery Script slowly. Invite volunteers afterward.
Creating Your Hope Stone
Take a smooth stone and template.
Choose a word or symbol of hope.
Decorate your stone with markers.
Place it in your cloth bag!
"Hope is a small light that never goes out."
Teacher Notes: Distribute smooth stones and templates. Encourage choosing meaningful words or symbols. Demonstrate decorating one example stone.
Your Small Step
Use the Goal-Setting Worksheet .
Write or draw one small, realistic goal for this week.
Examples:
Talking to a friend
Practicing deep breaths
Drawing in my memory box
Teacher Notes: Hand out the Goal-Setting Worksheet. Prompt realistic, achievable goals and model one example.
Our Group Pledge
“We will support each other,
Thank you for your courage and participation!
Teacher Notes: Invite each student to share either their hope word or their goal. Lead the group pledge together.
Session 4 Guided Imagery Script Guided Imagery Script: The Hill of Hope
Teacher Resource for Journey Through Grief: Session 4
Instructions for the Teacher
Read slowly and calmly.
Pause for 3–5 seconds at every [Pause] marker.
Encourage students to keep their eyes closed but remind them they can open them if they feel uncomfortable.
Keep the room quiet and minimize distractions.
"I’d like everyone to find a comfortable way to sit. You can close your eyes or simply look down at the floor in front of you. Take a deep breath in through your nose... and out through your mouth. [Pause]"
"Imagine you are standing at the beginning of a beautiful nature trail. The air is cool and fresh. You can hear the soft sound of leaves rustling in the wind. [Pause] As you start to walk, you notice the ground beneath your feet is solid and safe. You are not alone; you are surrounded by peace."
"The trail begins to go up a gentle hill. As you climb, you feel stronger with every step. [Pause] You reach the very top of the hill. From here, you can see for miles. The sun is just starting to rise, painting the sky in beautiful colors of gold, orange, and pink."
"In the distance, you see a small, bright light. This light represents **hope**. It is steady and warm. [Pause] Think about what hope looks like to you. Is it a color? A person? A feeling of being safe? Just let that image sit in your mind for a moment. [Pause]"
"You reach down and find a small, smooth stone at your feet. It feels cool and comforting in your hand. This is your Hope Stone. It reminds you that even when things are hard, you can carry a little bit of hope with you wherever you go. [Pause]"
"Take one more deep breath. When you are ready, gently wiggle your fingers and toes, and slowly open your eyes to join us back in our circle."
Follow-up Question:
"Would anyone like to share one word or one thing they saw in their hopeful place?"
Session 4 Hope Stones Template Hope Stones Designer
Sketch your ideas here before you decorate your real stone.
Design 1
Idea: A word that makes you feel brave.
Design 2
Idea: A symbol like a sun or a heart.
Design 3
Idea: Your favorite colors in a pattern.
Design 4
Idea: Something that makes you smile.
Word Inspiration Bank
HOPE PEACE BRAVE LOVE LIGHT STRONG SMILE SAFE
Your Hope Stone is a reminder that you are never alone.
Session 4 Goal-Setting Worksheet My Small Step
Journey Through Grief: Session 4
Name:
Date:
Hope is built with small steps. Today, we are setting one small goal that helps you feel strong and hopeful.
1 One small goal I have for this week is...
2 One simple action I can take to reach my goal is...
3 Draw yourself reaching your goal:
Every small step leads to a big journey.
Sonic Morning Adventure Lesson Plan Sonic Morning Adventure
Tier 3 Individual Routine
Speed Limit
15 MINS
The Mission
A personalized, gamified entry routine leverages the student’s interest in Sonic to boost motivation, reduce anxiety at arrival, promote independence in following classroom entrance steps, and reinforce positive behaviors.
Objective
Engage a kindergarten student in a Sonic-themed morning routine that targets independent greeting, coat/backpack management, and calm seating through clear visual supports.
The Strategy
Gamified entrance routine with zones, checklists, and sticker rewards to turn transitions into a high-speed adventure.
Level Prep
Print/laminate Adventure Chart
Prepare Zone Cards (Start/Speed/Finish)
Print Speed-Start Checklists
Gather Sonic-themed stickers
Inventory
Sonic Morning Adventure Chart
Sonic Speed-Start Checklist
Zone Cards & Sonic Marker
Sticker Rewards Container
Basket for Completed Runs
The Run: Sequence
2 MIN
Welcome Dash
Greet student at the door with a high-five or fist bump. Play a Sonic ring sound or chime to signal the start. Remind them: “Greet, get ready, and race to your seat!”
3 MIN
Adventure Chart Review
Guide student to the **Adventure Chart**. Point out the zone cards: **Start Line** (Greet), **Speed Zone** (Coat/Pack), **Finish Line** (Seat). Student moves Sonic marker to Start Line.
5 MIN
Speed-Start Checklist
Student follows the checklist: 1. Hang up coat, 2. Empty backpack, 3. Stow lunchbox, 4. Sit at desk. Place a sticker after each step to track success.
5 MIN
Cool-Down: Sonic Pose
Student strikes their best Sonic running pose at their desk. Provide final sticker reward. Praise independence and transition to next activity.
Sonic Morning Adventure Chart Sonic Morning Adventure
Ready... Set... GO!
START
Start Line
Greet your teacher with a high-five!
RING
Speed Zone
Coat and backpack away - super fast!
SPEED
RING
FINISH
Finish Line
Find your seat and strike a Sonic pose!
Move your Sonic Marker as you clear each zone!
Sonic Speed-Start Checklist Speed-Start Checklist
Sonic's Morning Dash
Player Name
Mission Date
1
Hang Up Coat
Use the super hook!
Sticker Here
2
Empty Backpack
Get your folders out!
Sticker Here
3
Stow Lunchbox
Place it in the bin!
Sticker Here
4
Sit at Desk
Mission Accomplished!
Sticker Here
Level Clear!
Strike your best Sonic pose for a bonus sticker!
Sonic Morning Routine Assessment Mission Assessment
Sonic Morning Routine Tracker
Instructions: Use this form to record the student’s independence during the Sonic Morning Routine. Complete once before implementing the routine (Pre-Test) and once after (Post-Test).
PRE-TEST (Baseline)
Date:
Teacher:
Criteria Independent? Notes 1. Independent Greeting Y
N
|
|
| 2. Move Sonic Marker |
Y
N
|
|
| 3. Hang Up Coat |
Y
N
|
|
| 4. Empty Backpack |
Y
N
|
|
| 5. Stow Lunchbox |
Y
N
|
|
| 6. Sit at Desk Calmly |
Y
N
|
|
POST-TEST (After Routine)
Date:
Teacher:
Criteria Independent? Notes 1. Independent Greeting Y
N
|
|
| 2. Move Sonic Marker |
Y
N
|
|
| 3. Hang Up Coat |
Y
N
|
|
| 4. Empty Backpack |
Y
N
|
|
| 5. Stow Lunchbox |
Y
N
|
|
| 6. Sit at Desk Calmly |
Y
N
|
|
