BIBLIOTHERAPY

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BIBLIOTHERAPY

• An Introduction for Educators

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BIBLIOTHERAPY

• Is the use of selected literature to
• help the reader grow in self
• understanding and resolve real life
• issues

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• Particular stories can serve as a
• catalyst for discussion and
• resolution of difficulties. The
• facilitator provides direction in the
• resolution of personal troubles
• through the use of guided readings
• and follow up activities.

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Bibliotherapy Can Be Conducted

• On an individual basis
• In a group setting

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In individual bibliotherapy

• Specific literature is selected for the
  students need
• Student reads the literature or the literature
  can be read to him or her
• Various activities are designed for the
  individual to examine the literature

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Using bibliotherapy in a group setting

• Students read literature orally or listen while
  the adult reads to them
• Group discussion and activities follow
• (Students become aware that they are
  not alone in their feelings and that
  perceived problems are shared by
  others.)(McIntyre,T.2004)

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Some Activities Are

• 1. Discussion with the facilitator
• 2. Composition
• 3. Using a tape recorder to record students
  thoughts
• 4. Artistic expression

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How To Use Bibliography

• 1.Identify the students needs
• 2.Match the student with appropriate
  materials
• 3.Decide on the setting and time for the
  sessions, and how the sessions will be introduced
  to the student
• 4.Design follow-up materials for the reading
  (e.g., discussion, paper writing, drawing,
  drama).(McIntyre, T.2004)

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How To Use Bibliotherapy

• 5. Motivate the student with introductory
  activities (e.g., asking questions to get a
  discussion going on the topic).
• 6. Engage in the reading, viewing, or listening
  phase. Ask leading questions and start short
  discussions throughout the reading.
  Periodically, summarize what has occurred thus
  far (to be sure that the message does not get
  lost in trivial points).

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How To Use Bibliography
7.Take a break or allow a few minutes for the
student to reflect on the material 8.Introduce
the follow-up activities -Retelling of the
story -In depth discussion of the book (e.g.,
discussion of right and wrong, morals, the law,
strong and weak points of the main character,
etc.) -Art activities -Creative
writing -Drama 9.Assist the student in achieving
closure through discussion and a listing of
possible solutions or some other activity.
(McIntyre, T. 2004)
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The following themes work well using a
bibliotherapeutic model

• Identity
• Self Knowledge
• Self Esteem
• Bullying
• Learning Disabilities
• Divorce
• Death and Loss

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The individual is believed to receive the
benefits of bibliotherapy by passing through
three stages

• Identification
• Catharsis
• Insight

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Identification

• The student identifies with a book character and
  events in the story, either real or fictitious.
  Sometimes it is best to have a character of
  similar age to the youngster who faces similar
  events. At other times, cartoon characters and
  stories are best. (McIntyre,T.2004)

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Catharsis

• The student becomes emotionally
• involved in the story and
• is able to release pent-up
• emotions under safe conditions
• (often through discussion or artwork).(McIntyre,T.
  2004)

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Insight

• The student, after catharsis (with the help of
  the teacher), becomes aware that his/her problems
  might also be addressed or solved.
• Possible solutions to the book characters and
  ones own personal problems are identified.
  (McIntrye, J.T,2004)

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Six Goals for using Bibliotherapy in the Classroom

• Providing students with information regarding
  their problems
• Providing insight into student students problems
• Creating discussion among students about their
  problems
• Letting students know that other people share
  their problems
• Communicating new values and attitudes
• Providing solutions to problems(Pardeck,J.T. 1997)

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To Learn More-contact the following online
resources for information and book lists

• -www.BehaviorAdvisor.com.
• The United Federation of Teachers says of
  www.BehaviorAdvisor.com "A wild, witty and
  highly practical site for educators challenged by
  student (mis) behavior. A definite mental health
  destination for teachers at their wits end in
  managing challenging behavior. Also provides
  online opportunities for teachers to help other
  teachers with student behavior issues!"   

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More Resources

• - Magination (not "Imagination") Press is one
  company that offers a wide selection of books on
  a variety of issues.  They can be contacted at
  www.maginationpress.com or by calling
  1-800-374-2721.
• - Lutra Press (http//www.lutrapress.com or Phone
  503-291-0265) has a resource book that lists
  various fiction books to use for a large variety
  of issues in childrens' lives.

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Bibliography

• Pardeck, J.T. (1995). Bibliotherapy An
  innovative approach for helping children. Early
  Child Development and Care, 110, 83-88.
• Pardeck, J.A. Pardeck, J.T. (1994, Summer).
  Using literature to help the adolescents cope
  with problems. Adolescence, 29, 421-471.
• Schlessinger, E. (2003). Bibliotherapy Using
  childrens literature to raise the self-esteem of
  elementary school students.
• McIntyre, T. (2004). How to use psycho
  educational interventions Bibliotherapy.
• Www.BehaviorAdvisor.com.