Teachers

Addressing Grief and Loss in the Classroom

Coping with grief and loss can be difficult for students and families. As a teacher, you play a vital role in supporting them through this challenging time.

Here are some resources that teachers can use to support their students:

• National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (schoolcrisiscenter.org) provides guidance on classroom activities that can help students process grief and loss. These activities include writing exercises, art projects, and other activities that can be incorporated into the classroom.

• Helping Children Cope (cdc.gov) provides resources and support for children, teens, and families who are grieving. They offer a wide range of materials, including books, videos, and other resources that can be used in the classroom.

• Grief: National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers resources and support for schools dealing with grief and loss. Their website includes tip sheets, guides, and other resources for educators.

• Addressing Grief: Tips for Teachers and Administrators (nasponline.org) provides age specific tips for helping students cope with grief and loss.

It is important to remember that each student may cope with grief and loss in their own unique way. Teachers should strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can express their feelings and receive the support they need. By using these resources and others like them, teachers can help their students navigate the difficult process of grieving and healing.