If a primary student has experienced death, whether it be of a dog, gerbil or Grandmother, often the entire class will know about it. They may have many questions and need some time and guidance from adults. Here's a few things to get started:
1. Have a discussion. Use a talking stick to make sure they listen to each other. Only the person with the magic stick is allowed to talk.
2. Have them draw pictures of happy memories.
3. Have them write letters to the deceased if it was a familiar face.
4. Teach them comforting words, involve role playing
5. Tell them it's okay to cry, and that it is not weakness; it's normal and healthy.
6. Explain the five stages of grief
7. Make a list of ways to tell if a person is sad and then a list of ways to comfort that person.
8. Go over some unfamiliar vocabulary, such as funeral, memorial, graveside, etc.
1. Have a discussion. Use a talking stick to make sure they listen to each other. Only the person with the magic stick is allowed to talk.
2. Have them draw pictures of happy memories.
3. Have them write letters to the deceased if it was a familiar face.
4. Teach them comforting words, involve role playing
5. Tell them it's okay to cry, and that it is not weakness; it's normal and healthy.
6. Explain the five stages of grief
7. Make a list of ways to tell if a person is sad and then a list of ways to comfort that person.
8. Go over some unfamiliar vocabulary, such as funeral, memorial, graveside, etc.