Supporting Students in Grief: Elementary School

It is with a heavy heart that I compiled a list of resources for working with students dealing with loss. My school community has experienced two losses in a very short amount of time. As we prepared for the return of two students following the loss of a parent, I was asked to compile resources to share with the staff and others who needed guidance. Additionally, we have a few students who we consider at-risk as they have experienced a significant loss recently and would need additional support. 

Thankfully, I had the resources of the National Association of School Psychologists at my fingertips. It is an incredible resource and worth every penny spent on a membership. They have handouts, position statements, and information available on a wide range of topics at the click of the mouse.

• Death & Grief: Supporting Children and Youth 
• Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief: Tips for Teachers and Parents
• Death and Grief in the Family: Providing Support at School
• Death and Grief in the Family: Tips for Parents
• Books for Children Coping with Loss or Trauma

New York Life has developed resources for parents and educators working with children dealing with loss. I provided these to my administrator as well. 

• Death and Loss: Helping Children Manage Their Grief
• Grief Journey of a Child
• Students and Grief: Dealing with Loss in School (webcast)

I hope that some of these resources are helpful in the case that you also have to support students during a time of loss and grief. 

Until next thyme, 

Erika