Bibliotherapy 2013 IASL Bali Conference

Bibliotherapy: Using Books & Stories for Growth & Healing

Zarah C. GagatigaTeacher Librarian, The Beacon [email protected] @thecoffeegoddeshttp://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com

The 42nd IASL Annual ConferenceBali, Indonesia

Enhancing Students’ Life Skills through the School Library

Let’s play!

http://www.tamsinhowse.com/blog/2011/06/tuesday-tips-get-out-of-bed-and-grab-an-oar/row-boat/

I am __________________________

The last book I read is __________________

I am __________________________

If were a book character, I would be __________ because ___________________.

I am ___________________________

The author I wish to have a date with is ____________________________________

Story: The Generous Tree (Adaptation of the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstien)

Read the story, The Generous Tree, and when you’re done, answer the worksheet.

Let’s BUZZand LIZZEN.

What did you hear?

Bibliotherapy is...

Biblion = books and Therapeia = healing

Is the therapeutic use of the written word to help people in any situation in life [and] the provision of health information and support through books (Brewster, 2008) Guidance in the solution of personal problems through directed reading (ALA, 1966)

When we immerse ourselves in a text, the words stimulate the production of

mental images...we imagine...we visualize...we act out the words in the

pages of our minds.

-- Michael Duda, Psychologist Dortmund, Germany (2010)

When reading, our brains simulate what happens in the story, using the same circuits we’d use if the same things

happened to us. On a neurological level, we become part of the action.

-- Ursula Sautter Reading, writing and revelation

(2010)

...brain regions active during reading a story “mirror those involved when people perform, imagine or observe similar real-world activities".

-- Nicole K. Speer, et al. Dynamic Cognition Lab, University of Washington, Missouri

Bibliotherapy Process

IDENTIFICATION

CATHARSIS or MIRRORING

INSIGHT / REFLECTION / ACTION

Bibliotherapy can be:

Clinical Bibliotherapy is used by doctors and mental health practitioners with persons on emotional and behavioral problems.

Developmental Bibliotherapy in schools and libraries to promote self-knowledge, personal growth and a sense of accomplishment in a particular stage in life.

Collaborative Endeavors

Partners and Allies

- Teachers- Counselors- Therapists- Psychologist- Health care professionals- Caregivers, nurses- Parents

Librarian as bibliotherapist

- Passion for reading- Ability to communicate with others- Genuine interest to help others - Ability to empathize without being judgmental, moralizing

Tips and Techniques- Identifying needs of readers (Maslow / J. Chall / Moats and Tolman)

- Matching of appropriate materials (Book collection, reading materials, multi-media/AV) - Setting the time, venue and environment of the session -Designing motivation, engagement and follow up activities - Assisting the reader in achieving closure or the identification of possible solutions

Tips & Techniques

* READ - Nothing beats personal knowledge of a story; * Identify significant points of the story that touches on the theme. * Be keen to connections you know the student/reader can make with the selection at hand. -- Pelias, 2005

Program Requirements* Training and Manpower

* Budget for the development of resources and bibliotherapy collection

* A working knowledge of the library’s client/readers

* Administrative and staff support

* Linkages and connections with health care professionals and allied fields/institutions

Bibliotherapy: Miriam College, HS Library

Bibliotherapy: Miriam College, HS Library

Bibliotherapy: Adamson University Library

“To fall in love is risky”. *SOBRA

* Sobra = Too much

Bibliotherapy: The Beacon Academy

* Bibliography of resources that promote health and well-being (2011-2012)

* Formal proposal to Head of School and Guidance Counselor (2012-2013)

* Regular recommendation of resources geared to towards the developmental stages of teens/high school students (2012-2013)

Bibliotherapy: The Beacon Academy

For 2013-2014:a. Articulation meetings with GC & Dean of Students, Athletics Coor & PE Teacher., MYP & DP Coor, CAS-C&S Coor. and Student Activities Coor. b. Development of a Life Skills Collectionc. Continued publication of recommended reads in the newsletter / library Google sitese. Use a Web 2.0 Platform to promote Life Skills Collection

Sample Book List

* Back to School! Back to Basics!

* The Love Month: What’s love gotta do with it?

* Off to Christmas Break!

* College Advising & Study Skills

Bibliotherapy: Kirklees Council - RAYS (Reading and You Scheme)

- Try to get to know a little about you as a person- Talk to you about what you like to read, help you get to know your local library and look with you for the kind of books you might enjoy.

- They will also be setting up reading groups where people can chat together about books and relax over a cup of tea or coffee.

Bibliotherapy: The School of Life

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/ourauthors/ourauthorsouradvocates/authorpage/ngaiman

http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/libraries/bibliotherapy/rays.shtml

http://www.theschooloflife.com/