Grief doesn’t stay at home—it follows children into the classroom, affecting their focus, emotions, and interactions. For teachers, knowing how to support a grieving student can make a profound difference in their healing process. While grief looks different for every child, there are strategies educators can use to provide a compassionate and structured environment that fosters healing.
Recognizing the Signs of Grief in Students
Children may not always express their grief in obvious ways. Some might become withdrawn, while others act out or struggle academically. Signs of grief in students may include:
- Difficulty concentrating or completing assignments
- Increased emotional sensitivity (anger, sadness, or frustration)
- Changes in social interactions (isolating from friends or becoming overly dependent)
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
- Loss of motivation or interest in school activities
Being aware of these signs can help teachers provide the right support at the right time.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
A grieving child needs reassurance that they are in a safe and understanding space. Here are a few ways to help:
- Acknowledge their loss. A simple statement like “I’m sorry for your loss” can help the child feel seen and supported.
- Be flexible with expectations. Grief can make schoolwork overwhelming. Allow extra time for assignments or provide alternative ways to complete work.
- Check in privately. A quiet, one-on-one conversation can help a child open up about their feelings without pressure.
- Offer stability and routine. Consistency can be comforting when everything else feels uncertain. Maintaining classroom structure helps grieving students feel secure.
- Encourage creative outlets. Drawing, journaling, and storytelling can help children express emotions they might not have words for yet.
Working with Parents and School Counselors
Teachers don’t have to navigate this alone. Partnering with parents and school counselors ensures a grieving child has a strong support system.
- Keep communication open. Ask parents how their child is coping at home and share observations from the classroom.
- Refer to school resources. Counselors, social workers, and grief support groups can provide additional help.
- Create a grief-friendly classroom. Books, activities, and class discussions about emotions can normalize grief and encourage empathy among students.
When a Classmate Passes Away
If a student has lost a friend or classmate, the entire classroom may feel the impact. Teachers can help by:
- Giving students space to talk about their feelings
- Acknowledging the loss in an age-appropriate way
- Offering group activities that honor the student’s memory (art projects, letters, or moments of reflection)
- Ensuring children have access to counseling support if needed
Supporting Grieving Students Makes a Difference
A teacher’s empathy and awareness can create a lasting impact on a grieving child. While grief is a difficult journey, having supportive adults in their corner makes it easier to navigate.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.