Asking for support when someone has died

An adult reads the stories and choices aloud. Point, draw, tell, or pass.

Learning goal

Choose one school support without having to share a story.

A school situation

Ari’s grandparent has died. Ari feels sad during drawing time and does not want to talk about it.

Words the student could use

“I feel sad. Can I sit near you?” Ari can point to the quiet-seat choice instead.

Another situation

Lee’s dog died. A class story reminds Lee of the dog. Lee wants a pause.

What could the student ask or do?

One possible response

“This story makes me sad. Can I take a short break with you?”

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: ________________________________