Picture this: You’re in your classroom when you learn that one of your students has lost a parent. Your heart sinks. You want to help, but you’re not sure how. You’re not alone—many teachers feel this way, yet supporting grieving students is one of the most important things we do as educators.
The Reality of Grief in Our Classrooms
Here’s something that might surprise you: In every classroom of 24 students, an average of 2 children will lose a parent or sibling before they turn 18. Nearly all students—about 90%—will experience the death of a close family member or friend during their school years. These aren’t just statistics; these are our students.
Why Your Role Matters More Than You Think
As a teacher, you’re in a unique position to help. Students spend most of their waking hours at school, and you might be one of the few consistent, stable presences in their life during a difficult time. But here’s the catch—many grieving students feel overlooked or isolated, especially at school.
What You Can Actually Do to Help
Let’s break down some practical ways you can support grieving students:
1. Create a Supportive Classroom Environment
- Make your classroom a safe space where students know it’s okay to have tough days.
- Be flexible with deadlines and expectations while maintaining normal routines.
- Watch for signs that a student might need extra support.
2. Know What to Say (And What Not to Say)
Instead of: “I know exactly how you feel.” Try: “I care about what you’re going through. Would you like to talk about it?”
Instead of: “They’re in a better place.” Try: “It’s okay to miss them. Would you like to share a memory about them?”
3. Take Action on Children’s Grief Awareness Day (November 21, 2024)
Want to make a difference? Here are some ideas:
- Lead an age-appropriate classroom discussion about supporting peers through tough times.
- Create a quiet corner in your classroom where students can take breaks when needed.
- Connect with your school counselor about resources for grieving students.
- Consider becoming a Grief-Sensitive School (more on this below!).
Free Resources at Your Fingertips
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are some amazing free resources:
- The Coalition to Support Grieving Students (grievingstudents.org)
- 20+ video training modules
- Practical handouts and guides
- Step-by-step advice for different situations
- Free Downloadable Resources
- Find Local Support
- Connect with grief support programs in your area through:
Make It Official: Become a Grief-Sensitive School
Ready to take your support to the next level? Consider leading the initiative to make your school a Grief-Sensitive School. This commitment shows students, families, and staff that your school community recognizes and supports those who are grieving.
Your Next Steps
- Start Small: Choose one grieving student to reach out to this week.
- Get Informed: Visit grievingstudents.org to access free training modules.
- Share Knowledge: Pass this information along to your colleagues.
- Stay Connected: Follow @schoolcrisisorg and use #GriefAwarenessDay to join the conversation.
Remember, you don’t need to be a grief expert to make a difference. Sometimes, just being there and showing you care is exactly what a grieving student needs.
Want to learn more? Visit the Coalition to Support Grieving Students for additional resources and training materials.