Counselora · Student Support
Getting through a school day after a death
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose support for a difficult school moment after a death.
A school situation
Jordan returns to school after a family member has died. Concentrating on a long task is difficult today.
Words the student could use
“Could we choose the first small part together? I need help starting today.”
Another situation
A classroom activity about families reminds Riley of someone who died. Riley wants a different way to take part.
What could the student ask or do?
One possible response
“This topic is hard today. Is there another example I can use?”
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: ________________________________