Counselora · Student Support
Choosing school support after a death
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Ask for a pause or a helpful adult after a loss.
A school situation
Maya’s uncle has died. During a class celebration, Maya feels upset and wants to leave the group for a moment.
Words the student could use
“I am having a hard moment. Could I sit in a quiet place with an adult?”
Another situation
Sam’s friend asks questions about a death in Sam’s family. Sam does not want to answer.
What could the student ask or do?
One possible response
“I don’t want to talk about that right now. We can talk about something else.”
My school support card
I can point to or choose one: □ Show me the first step. □ Help me check the information. □ I need a private conversation. □ I need a pause with an adult.
My request: ________________________________________________
A school adult I can ask: ________________________________
If that adult is away: another available teacher, counselor, or office adult.
Words a school adult could use “I am sorry. You do not have to talk about what happened. Would you like quiet company, a short pause, or help starting one part of class?”
The student may feel sad, angry, quiet, distracted, or something else. This page does not ask the student to describe the death.
Check-in note Student request: ________________________________ Support agreed: ________________________________ School adult and time to check back: ________________________________