Social Story: When Someone I Care About, Dies

Sometimes our students struggle with the loss of a loved one. This Social Story: When Someone I Care About Dies, is meant to teach students about death and dying - in particular, losing someone they care about.

The social story guides the student through the concept of death (in basic terms), what death means (being alive vs. not alive), what various feelings we can experience after a loved one’s death, and what we can do to help support ourselves. It also touches on the various beliefs around death, including the afterlife. It goes on to normalize these feelings and emphasize that the grief process is healthy and we can do this on our own time, and with the support of family and others who care for us.

It is in PDF format (8.5 x 11 inches) and so can easily be printed and/or laminated. It is presented in a simple and visual format, and can be used across all ages and developmental levels.

I have personally used it in individual and group format, in elementary and special needs junior high/high school classrooms. As always, please leave feedback/review so I may continue to provide practical and meaningful resources to my fellow educators. Thank you!