Peer Support

Children who are uninformed or unprepared may unintentionally isolate or even tease a grieving classmate. But if classmates are given the information and strategies to interact with a peer who is grieving, and if they have witnessed positive interactions modeled by their teacher
and other adults within the school, children may become valuable and reliable sources of support for a grieving student. This module addresses the important role of peer support for grieving children and provides tips on preparing children to help grieving peers.

View the video by chapters:

How uninformed peers may unintentionally tease or isolate grieving children

Strategies for preparing classmates to assist a grieving student

Exploring how children can effectively support grieving peers once prepared

For more information on supporting grieving children, refer to The Grieving Student: A Guide for Schools by David Schonfeld and Marcia Quackenbush.