• Shock
• Denial
• Anger
• Depression
• Guilt Resolution

So how do we as teachers help students work through their grief?

Here are some do's and dont's

• Have a school policy or plan in place
• Attend an awareness-raising course
• Remember that not all student who have experienced a loss need counselling
• Consult professionals such as general practitioners, psychologists
• Seek advice from the local communities especially if there are cultural issues
• Make contact with the family
• Beware that home may be in emational turmoil
• Acknowledge the loss to the student
• Give space to the student to talk if they wish
• Remember the power of listening
• Watch for signs and behaviours associated with grieving
• Watch for truancy and intervene early
• Be aware that the grieving process may never end but adaption to life changes will occur over time
• Be sensitive to anniversaries and special occaions such as Mother's Day
• Be aware that an angry or withdrawn child may be a grieving child
• Don't expect a grieving child to follow a specific pattern or model
• Remember that reaction to grief is unique to each individual, although awareness of models of grieving may help
• Consider how loss could be integrated into the curriculum