1. Strategies to support students experiencing grief and loss
Gonzaga University
Dr. Addy Wissel, Justine Brown, Jessica Sotl, Alexis Spies, & Kristine Spruill

2. Mandalas

3. Graffiti Wall
Purpose
To open lines of communication in the household about grief
Helps demonstrate that open expression is important
Ideally conducted in the home. Each family member is encouraged to participate but is not required.
Supplies
Large paper
Crayons, markers, colored pencils
Tape

4. T-Charts
What I thought grief would be like What grief actually feels like

5. T-charts cont. Things others say/do that help with my grief
Things others say/do that are not helpful with my grief

6. Worry Beads Purpose Process Supplies Used to relieve stress
Used as a fidget toy
Process
String the majority of the beads onto the string
String both ends of the string through the final beads
Tie off
Supplies
Beads
String
Scissors

7. Holiday Ornament

8. Memory Box
No right or wrong way to decorate. Can include words, pictures, drawings, etc.
Benefits
Allows for creativity
Creation can be soothing and liberating
Coping strategies
Uses
Keep activities from group
Add their own content
Memorial pieces
Supplies
Boxes
Various craft supplies

9. Memory Lantern

10. Memory in the Palm of your hand
Purpose
Students will re-create a favorite memory, in the palm of the hand, they shared with the loved one they lost
Questions to ask during the activity
Why did you choose that particular memory?
How long ago was this event?
When you think of this memory, what do you feel?
Supplies
Paper hand
Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.
Glitter
Stickers

11. Memory Wheels

12. Healing Heart Process Supplies
Each group member receives a piece of the heart
Decorate the heart piece
Draw a picture, write a memory, share a message, honor the experienced losses
Share
Put the heart pieces back together, taping together the back side
Bandage the front of the pieces together where they meet
Although our hearts have been broken by the losses we have experienced, together we can heal
Supplies
Large pieces of cut up paper that compose a heart
Crayons, markers, colored pencils
Magazine cut outs
Tape
Bandages

13. My past and future hands hold

14. Balloon Release Process Supplies
Students send a message to their loved one by writing on balloons with sharpie
Write a message to a loved one
Write about a favorite memory
Draw a picture
Release the balloons outside and watch them float away in to the sky
*** Be cognizant of culture
Supplies
Helium filled balloons
Sharpies