A Teacher’s Handbook of Death

This handbook aims to provide teachers with methods to facilitate open discussions of death in the classroom and to find suitable ways of talking with children about what happens when someone they know dies. It explores some of the most sensitive questions surrounding death, such as: the physical processes which occur during and after death; reasons for illness, sudden death or suicide; what actually happens to the dead body; what happens at funerals. The authors also offer useful strategies for talking about death in the context of different school lessons, in order to prepare pupils of all ages. The final chapter on grief and mourning demonstrates how to give newly bereaved children the support they need. This handbook combines factual information with strategies for teachers to use when discussing death with children. Readable and practical, it is designed to be of help for teachers required to broach this sensitive issue within the school environment.