Bibliotherapy: Children Finding Comfort through Literature

BIBLIOTHERAPYBIBLIOTHERAPY

Children Finding Comfort through Children Finding Comfort through LiteratureLiterature

What is Bibliotherapy?What is Bibliotherapy?

Most simply, bibliotherapy means ‘helping through the use of books.’  Bibliotherapy has also been described as “the process that leads youth toward emotional good health through the medium of literature,” and “the process of using books to help children think about, understand, and work through social and emotional concerns.

What are the Goals?What are the Goals?  Bibliotherapy has been used with all ages, with nearly every issue or problem, and at all levels of intervention by counselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and librarians.  Its aim for children and young adults is to promote personality growth and development.  The goal is to help children understand their feelings, to realize they are not alone in what they are going through, and calm their fears.    Other goals might include helping youngsters see things from a different point of view, shed light on problem solving, foster moral development, embrace compassion, provide ideas for writing assignments, encourage appropriate decision-making skills, understand the cultural differences of others, and promote critical and abstract thinking.

Who will find this information Who will find this information beneficial?beneficial?

• This information is beneficial to parents, teachers, caregivers, counselors and other individuals who have relationships with children. Whom are encountering various issues, seeking understanding and coping techniques. It’s important for children to know that they aren’t alone and the issues they are experiencing are important.

Why might you read or find comfort through Why might you read or find comfort through literature while dealing with sensitive issues?literature while dealing with sensitive issues?

• “A good book, like a good prayer, is one that takes us to the center of ourselves and then leads us back to the world again, with our spirits refreshed and our hearts enlarged.”(Barbara Brown Taylor)

Did you know ……..Did you know ……..

• Children of various genders, ethnic groups and social class experience various issues during their daily lives. They don't know how to express themselves or who to go to for comfort. Many children aren’t comfortable speaking to their teachers or parents.

What issues are children facing?What issues are children facing?• Abandonment / Separation from loved one• Bullying• Death of a loved one • Death of a pet• Disabilities• Diseases / Disorders• Divorcing Parents• Identity Crisis• Weight management (i.e., obesity & anorexia)• Neglect

How might a child react when How might a child react when dealing with sensitive issues?dealing with sensitive issues?

• Children keep their feelings or emotions hidden inside.

• Children rebel

• Children have low self esteem

• Children feel discomfort within themselves

• The child may become isolated

Or

He or She may find comfort

through books.

Why might a child find comfort Why might a child find comfort through literature?through literature?

• The best way to learn to read is to read, and readers tend to read material that is important to them. For many children, the problems of drugs, illness, death, divorce, handicaps, and relocation are crucial issues in their lives. Books on these topics are what children may wish to read or hear read by the teacher or librarian. By being exposed to books on such subjects, students become better readers and are better able to deal in a positive manner with the issues contained in the books. They recognize that they are not the only ones who have to endure such problems. They experience the viewpoint of others and learn how others have dealt with similar problems ( Rasinski , 9).

What makes the use of children’s What makes the use of children’s literature important?literature important?

• Children may be able to identify with others who are experiencing or are in similar situations.

• Children may think more critically about their issues.

• Children may find comfort in the stories they are reading.

• They may find a solution to the issue they are experiencing.

What Types of Literature are What Types of Literature are available?available?

Fiction

&

Nonfiction

Saying Goodbye to LuluSaying Goodbye to LuluBy Corinne DemasBy Corinne Demas

A young girl and her lovable dog, Lulu, are the best of friends. They play games together, explore their neighborhood, and even cuddle up to read bedtime stories each night. Lulu is the best dog a girl could ever hope for, but when she grows older and gradually becomes weak, the little girl must face the sad possibility of losing her dear friend, and inevitably, cope with the death of her canine companion. Though she is deeply saddened by Lulu's passing and misses her very much, over time the little girl discovers that the sweet memory of her beloved Lulu will live on forever... in her heart.

Goodbye Mousie Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harrisby Robie H. Harris

When a small boy is told that his pet mouse has died, he can't at first believe it. But gradually, with the help of his family, he comes to terms with his pet's death.

FlushFlushBy Carl HiaasenBy Carl Hiaasen

You know it's going to be a rough summer when you spend Father's Day visiting your dad in the local lockup.

Noah's dad is sure that the owner of the Coral Queen casino boat is flushing raw sewage into the harbor-which has made taking a dip at the local beach like swimming in a toilet. He can't prove it though, and so he decides that sinking the boat will make an effective statement. Right. The boat is pumped out and back in business within days and Noah's dad is stuck in the clink.

Now Noah is determined to succeed where his dad failed. He will prove that the Coral Queen is dumping illegally . . . somehow. His allies may not add up to much-his sister Abbey, an unreformed childhood biter; Lice Peeking, a greedy sot with poor hygiene; Shelly, a bartender and a woman scorned; and a mysterious pirate-but Noah's got a plan to flush this crook out into the open. A plan that should sink the crooked little casino, once and for all.

WonderWonderBy R.J. PalacioBy R.J. Palacio

• August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum DisordersSpectrum Disorders

By Elizabeth VerdickBy Elizabeth Verdick

 This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically, some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. 

Attention girls! Attention girls! A Guide to Learn All About Your AD/HDA Guide to Learn All About Your AD/HD

By Patricia O. Quinn, MDBy Patricia O. Quinn, MD

This is the first book written for 'tween' girls (ages 7-11) who have ADD/ADHD. It offers girls, their parents, and professionals practical tips and techniques for managing attention disorders and the many aspects of life that these disorders can affect. It was written in an engaging style that doesn't 'talk down' to girls. It is packed with useful and empowering lessons that are simple to apply. It was written by a developmental pediatrician who is a well-known author.

The Survival Guide for Kids with The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHDADHD

By John F. Taylor, PHDBy John F. Taylor, PHD

Explains ADD and ADHD and offers practical strategies for taking care of oneself, modifying behavior, enjoying school, having fun, and dealing (when needed) with doctors, counselors, and medication.

How can I implement this literature in How can I implement this literature in the classroom or library?the classroom or library?

•  Choose a story that’s simple, clear, brief, non-repetitious, and believable?• Choose literature that’s the appropriate reading level and developmental level?•Ask yourself Does the story fit with relevant feelings, needs, interests, and goals?• Does it demonstrate cultural diversity, gender inclusivity, and sensitivity to aggression?• Do characters show coping skills and does the problem situation show resolution? 

Are there any other ways to help Are there any other ways to help children dealing with sensitive children dealing with sensitive

issues find comfort through issues find comfort through literature?literature?

• Read Aloud

• Thinking Activities

• Creating Writing

• Keep a Journal

• Art

BibliographyBibliographyhttps://sites.google.com/site/resourcesonsensitivetopics/bibliotherapy

http://www.naeyc.org/yc/

http://works.bepress.com/dorothy_bowen/4/

http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/ChildrenLit/issues.html

http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-3/cope.htm

http://archive.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/winter_2005/words_that_heal1.html

http://education.jhu.edu/

http://www.corinnedemas.com/books/lulu.html

http://books.google.com

http://www.carlhiaasen.com/

http://rjpalacio.com/

Rasinski, Timothy V. and Cindy S. Gillespie. Sensitive Issues An Annotated Guide to Children’s Literature K-6. Phoenix, AZ: OryxPress, 1992

I hope you found the information

presented beneficial and resourceful.