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Grief Education in Nature:

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Integrating Emotional Literacy and Nature-Based Learning

into Bereavement Education

(Grades K-8).​

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Invite the Topic of Grief and Bereavment

into the Outdoor Classroom

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Metaphors and Reflection
Natural cycles — such as seasons, growth, decay, and renewal — provide tangible metaphors for life, loss, and resilience. Children can explore grief through symbolic activities like planting seeds, observing changing leaves, or caring for animals, the science of mycelial networks in growth, decay and renewal, which can help them understand loss as a natural part of life.

 

Grounding and Emotional Regulation

Being in natural spaces — forests, parks, gardens, or near water — helps children feel physically and emotionally grounded. The sights, sounds, and textures of nature can calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create a safe environment for expressing feelings of grief.

Somatic Awareness
Nature encourages children to notice bodily sensations and movement. Running, climbing, or simply walking barefoot on grass can help them release tension, connect with their bodies, and process emotions somatically rather than only cognitively.

 

Restorative Communication Strategies in Group Relational  Dynamics
 Earth stewardship and eco-compassionate relationships across all areas of learning. Students explore how respect for the natural world supports human growth and community well-being.

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Core Circle Principles

• Every voice is equal; leadership is shared.

• Speak from the heart using “I” statements.

• Listen actively with empathy and without judgment.

• Honor both individuality and collective wisdom.

• Hold space for diverse perspectives with respect and appreciation.

 

 

Bereavement Resources for Children and their Carers

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To find bereavment curriculum for schools/school charter, visit Child Bereavement UK :

 www.childbereavementuk.org.

Room for an Elephant | Child Bereavement UK-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzSGwB6-KzA: 

 

‘Room for an Elephant’, which illustrates a specially written poem, aims to help raise awareness of how lonely

grief can be and to encourage others to connect with bereaved friends with greater compassion and understanding.

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https://winstonswish.org/

 

https://www.dougy.org/grief-support-resources/kids

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https://kidsgrief.ca/​

Supporting Grief and Young Children Webinar(s)

Canadian Child Care Federation/Canadian Virtual Hospice

​Kids Grief Webinar:  KidsGrief and Virtual Hospice related

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Reference Book: Trauma Proofing your Kids.

Trauma-proofing Your Kids: A Parents' Guide for Instilling Joy, Confidence, and Resilience by Peter Levine, Maggie Kline 

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