Classroom Discussion and Activity Guide for Saturdays with Gramps

Helping Kids Navigate Grief Gently: A Classroom Discussion and Activity Guide for Saturdays with Gramps, a children’s book about grief and loss, by Marissa Bader

Grief is a tender, often complex topic—especially for children. When I wrote Saturdays with Gramps, I wanted to create a space where young readers could feel seen, comforted, and gently guided through the confusing emotions that come with loss. Inspired by my own family’s experience after losing a loved one, this book holds at its heart a simple but powerful truth: while the people we love may come and go, love itself never dies.

To help educators and caregivers bring these important conversations into the classroom, I’ve created a Classroom Discussion & Activity Guide designed for students in grades K-5. This free resource offers age-appropriate ways to talk about grief, love, and remembrance—using the story of Sam and his beloved Gramps as a springboard.

What’s Inside the Saturdays with Gramps Classroom Discussion and Activity Guide?

This educator resource includes:

Thoughtful discussion questions
Prompts are designed to spark meaningful conversations around grief, love, memories, and emotional expression. These questions encourage students to reflect on their own feelings or experiences in a safe, supportive setting.

SEL-based classroom activities
Hands-on activities that align with Social-Emotional Learning goals, such as journaling, art projects, storytelling, and more. One favorite: creating a “Memory Garden,” where students can write or draw memories of someone they love and “plant” them in a symbolic garden of love that never fades.

Creative expression and community-building
Grief can be isolating. This guide promotes activities that connect students through shared emotions, helping them feel less alone while building empathy and understanding.

Why It Matters

When we give kids the language and space to talk about loss, we also give them tools to heal, connect, and carry the love forward. Whether it’s the passing of a grandparent, a pet, or any meaningful goodbye, Saturdays with Gramps and its companion guide offer a way to process those big feelings gently and meaningfully.

This guide isn’t just for schools—it’s also a helpful resource for counselors, caregivers, and community groups looking to support children through loss with compassion and care.

Download the Guide

You can download the free Classroom Discussion & Activity Guide here and begin incorporating Saturdays with Gramps into your classroom conversations this school year. You and your students may also find this infographic on the stages of grief helpful in discussing (and navigating) loss. Find it here. I hope these resources serve as a comforting bridge for the children in your care—one that gently reminds them that love never truly leaves us.