We’ve all been there. A student comes to school after experiencing a loss. Whether it’s a pet, family member, or other loved one, it is so hard to know how to help right away. Like with many things, I turn to books!
These 4 books are always on hand in my classroom. They can be used during class meetings or SEL lessons, or given to students to read independently.
Told by a mother to her two children, it is the story of the “string” that connects loved ones. One that can never be broken or lost because of the connection. Grab any sort of string and this book and allow students to be reminded of this important part of the grieving process.
It is the simple, but beautifully told story of Ol Turtle, and the way he will be remembered by the sea animals.
The story of a dad who buys a camera and starts taking pictures of the most plain and bizarre things. As the story goes on, we see that dad is experiencing memory loss through a disease called dementia. Give students the opportunity to complete the “picture” snap shots, and remember their lost loved one.
An absolutely beautiful story of a grandfather and grandson. Their memories are stored in the balloons, and as Grandpa loses his memory and balloons, the young boy realizes he can “collect” his Grandfather’s balloons and add it to his collection.
You will get so much out of this little group! Talk with like-minded teachers who are ready to use or already using authentic texts to learn together.
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