As students return to school, families often experience a whirl of emotions—and for those walking through grief, that shift in seasons and routine can feel even more overwhelming. Many hope that teachers will understand and accommodate what their child is feeling. At The WARM Place, educators and school counselors frequently participate in our program as volunteer facilitators and monitors, bringing their compassion back to the classroom in tangible ways. We asked several of them how their experience at The WARM Place has strengthened their ability to support grieving students—and we hope their insights bring comfort and reassurance to families on this difficult journey.
“I feel like I have a better understanding of what kids and young adults are experiencing and going through because of The WARM Place. I go into every interaction with my students having the knowledge that any one at any time can be experiencing grief, sadness, pain, or any other number of emotions. In the classroom it can be difficult with teaching pressures and time constraints to build a personal relationship with every child, but thanks to my experience as a facilitator, I am now more easily able to build those relationships by knowing more of what motivates, concerns, and is important to this generation of students.” – Volunteer Facilitator & Elementary School Music Teacher
“My experience at The WARM Place has enhanced my ability to support students as a school counselor, particularly in helping those who are coping with grief and loss. Through my work there, I gained a deeper understanding of the grieving process in children and adolescents, and how it can affect their emotional regulation, peer relationships, and academic engagement.” – Group Monitor & Elementary School Counselor
“Many students feel alone in their grief, believing they’re the only ones facing such loss. My experience with The WARM Place showed me how healing it can be to talk with others who understand. Some of my students have even attended TWP and found real comfort there. Before being part of TWP, I often avoided talking about grief at school—but now I know how important it is. That’s why I host a “lunch bunch” for students who’ve experienced a significant loss. These small gatherings help them realize they’re not alone—and that connection can be truly healing.” – Group Monitor & Elementary School Counselor
“My experience at The WARM Place has helped better support children in the school setting by learning different activities and techniques that I can use with kids that are experiencing grief at my school. I have been able to use these activities in my own practice.” – Group Monitor & Elementary School Social/Behavioral Counselor
“Being at The WARM Place has allowed me as an educator to see that “grief walks the halls.” Knowing that children dealing with grief are at school and we should show empathy that allows students to process grief so they can return to instruction feeling supported.” – Volunteer Facilitator & School Counselor
If your family is grieving the death of a loved one, we encourage you to share this with your child’s teacher. Being open about what your child may be going through gives the teacher the opportunity to offer understanding and support—especially when grief might show up as defiance, distraction, or lower energy. A simple check-in or conversation can go a long way toward ensuring your child feels seen, supported, and able to succeed in the classroom.
