Up, Up, and Away!: Closure for Grief and Loss Group and the School Year

The last day of school was a whirlwind of activity. It was a busy, balloon-releasing, pillow-stuffing, hug-giving, tear-wiping, last day.  (More about the pillow-stuffing soon!)

I am glad that students in my grief and loss group wanted to have their balloon release on the last day of school. It was the perfect way to have closure for our group and the end of the school year. 

My favorite part of the balloon release is watching the colorful balloons float up into the blue sky.  




We made our balloon release activity more environmentally friendly by using latex balloons, which are biodegradable and taking the strings off of the balloons before the balloon release. 

Another engaging activity my intern and I facilitated during this group was the Healing Heart. 

Other activities I facilitated during this group include:
  • Feelings Masks
  • Memory Boxes
  • Grief rainbow writing activity
  • Homemade play dough 
I plan to write about these activities this summer since I have more time to blog when school is out! :)

What activities do you facilitate in your grief and loss groups? What creative methods do you use for ending groups? Comment below, email me, tweet, or share on the School Counselor Blog Facebook Page!

Danielle is a K-12 Certified School Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and blogger at School Counselor Blog, a place where school counselors share innovative ideas, creative lesson plans, and quality resources.  Contact Danielle via email, follow her on twitter, and become a fan of the School Counselor Blog Facebook Page.

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