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 When Leo arrives, he’s quiet and withdrawn and becomes upset during drop-off, clinging to his caregiver and saying: “I don’t want you to go”.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
ann@wjcenter.org
561-400-7361
