The Bereavement Book

“How do teachers support and unravel bereavement in children? We have to begin by understanding the impact grief has on how a child learns, and matching our teaching activities accordingly. That is a big ‘ask’, but as ever help is at hand in this latest outstanding resource generated by Dr Tina Rae. Tina not only illuminates the learning pathways of the child in grief, but translates this into a range of purposeful teaching activities. This is an exceptional resource book, that will enable teachers to implement responsive teaching, and walk with the child through their journey of grief.”

Professor Barry Carpenter CBE, OBE, D.Litt.

Professor of Mental Health in Education, Oxford Brookes University

In this accessible and informative handbook, Tina Rae sensitively guides teachers, support staff, SENCOs and others working with children on the best ways to support children and young people coping with grief and loss following the death of a special loved one.

Advice and strategies are provided on a whole host of difficult issues, including how best to support children:

- of different ages

- with complicated grief

- when planning a funeral

- make sense of the grieving process

- work through the process of remembering

- return to school following a bereavement.

Eighty worksheets provide a range of activities to help bereaved children attempt to understand, express and process their grief and allow them to remember and celebrate their special person. The activities are also suitable for helping young people to develop a personal bereavement box and construct a memory book or special book of remembrance.

Although the resources can all be used flexibly, they are generally best suited for supporting individual students or those in small groups.

All the resources are photocopiable. Information sheets, letter templates, resource suggestions and a directory of useful websites and further reading are also provided.