Each year we inevitably support our students through grief- loss of a pet, family member, friend, and now through COVID-19. So how do we support our students through their grief? Here’s how I’m supporting my students through small groups and beyond:
Grief Small Groups
Grief small groups are are wonderful way to reach many students at once and connect them as their travel through their journey of grief. I find groups so powerful because they unite students and provide a therapeutic experience they might not get in one on one settings.
I like to keep groups as interactive as possible- reading, games, discussions, making connections through teamwork, etc. As with my entire program I limit the use of worksheets. I find this keeps students more engaged and provides a much needed break from the classroom.
After my amazing intern led a spectacular grief group with 4th-5th graders last year, I put together their favorite activities into this 6 week curriculum.
Group outline:
- Introductions and Icebreakers
- Ruff Feelings- feelings identification and connections
- Barks and Bounces- resiliency
- Sweet Memories
- I Can Make It!
- Mindfully moving forward.
You can get a copy of the curriculum here!
Biblio-Therapy
Here are some books I use when working with groups and individual students. Looking for more titles? Read this list of books I like to partner with making a memory box.
DOG HEAVEN AND CAT HEAVEN by Cynthia Rylant
Activity: I created a memory book for pets that you can get here.
HOWARD B. WIGGLEBOTTOM LISTENS TO A FRIEND by Howard Binkow and Taillefer Long
Activity: This book works to talk about all types of loss. After reading, create a memory book about the lost loved one or pet.
THE INVISIBLE STRING by Patrice Karst
Activity: Partner with this worksheet on TPT.
SAMANTHA JANE’S MISSING SMILE: A STORY ABOUT COPING WITH THE LOSS OF A PARENT by Julie Kaplow
Activity: Pathways2Success has this grief workbook and Counselor Keri has this small group activity packet.
Grief Bags To Go!
Looking to continue to the learning and help students transfer their skills while providing support to families at home?
I created these grief to-go bags for my families to check out.
You can read all about them over with the Confident Counselors.
Click here to access a letter to parents and the document I typed to with suggestions for use. Here is a PDF of information for parents.
You can also use these feedback forms in paper format (PDF below) or via Google Forms to gather data!
Get everything you need to start your own bags!
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