Helping Little Hearts Heal: Normalizing Death Talk With Kids
Professional development for Early Childhood Educators.
About this Educational Models
“Helping Little Hearts Heal”
Normalizing the topic of death with young children.
- Audience: Professional development workshop for early childhood educators. Can be adapted to an audience of parents.
- Format: A 1 ½ hour Power Point interactive training session combining slide content with firsthand experiences and real-life narratives.
- Instructional Strategies: Large & small group discussion, break out groups for cooperative learning. Can be presented in person or on Zoom.
- Materials: Laptop, monitor, chart paper, marker, handouts for small group discussion, collection of age-appropriate resource books, tissues, snacks.
The following can be used for small group discussion and shared with the larger group at the end of the presentation.
“Helping Little Hearts Heal”
Small Group Discussion
Scenario 1
Death of a Pet
A 3-year-old child, Maya, shares during circle time that her dog died over the weekend. She says: “My dog went to sleep and didn’t wake up” and begins to cry. A few other children look confused, and one child asks: “Is my dog going to die too?” Another says: “I don’t want to go to sleep!”
- How might you respond in the moment?
- What language can clarify the difference between sleep and death?
- How can you support the group’s emotional reactions while keeping everyone calm?
- What follow up is needed and would be helpful?
“Helping Little Hearts Heal”
Small Group Discussion
Scenario 2
Death of a Grandparent
A 2-year-old child in the class, Jordan, has a grandparent who recently died. Jordan has not mentioned it, but his parents have informed you. During dramatic play, Jordan starts acting out “funeral” with dolls, saying: “He’s dead. He’s not coming back.”
- Should you step in? If so, how?
- How can play be used as a window into children’s understanding of death?
- What language can normalize Jordan’s expression without shutting down the play?
- How might you support the other children in the class?
- What follow up is needed and would be helpful?
“Helping Little Hearts Heal”
Small Group Discussion
Scenario 3
Family Communication
A 4-year-old child asks you: “What happens when people die?” You offer a simple, honest, explanation: “When someone dies, their body stops working.” Later, the child’s parent approaches you upset, saying: “We haven’t addressed the subject of death with our child. We would have appreciated our permission before you discuss this topic with him/her.”
- How can you respond respectfully to the parent while maintaining professional integrity?
- How can you balance honesty, developmental appropriateness, and respect for diverse viewpoints?
- What might you do differently (if anything) in the future?
“Helping Little Hearts Heal”
Small Group Discussion
Scenario 4
Death of a Parent
A 4-year-old, Leo, returns to school after being absent for a week. I informed the staff that Leo’s mother died suddenly. When Leo arrives, he’s quiet and withdrawn and becomes upset during drop-off, clinging to his caregiver and saying: “I don’t want you to go”.
Later in the day, Leo alternates between playing normally and saying things like: “My mommy is gone forever”. Other children begin asking questions like: “What happened to Leo’s mommy?” and “Why is Leo sad?”
- How might you support Leo during drop-off and throughout the day?
- What language can you use to acknowledge Leo’s feelings and provide a sense of safety?
- What is appropriate to share with the rest of the class, and how?
- What kinds of classroom routines or supports might help Leo and the other children feel secure?
- How can you partner with the surviving parent or family in a supportive way?
Contact information:
Ann Pircio Pardes
561-400-7361
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