LGA 3101: Childrens Literature

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

By the end of the session, students will be able

to:
define bibliotherapy
examine reasons for bibliotherapy
explain the benefits of bibliotherapy
select strategies to be utilized with
bibliotherapy

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

a process in which the reader and the

literature interacted
A process of dynamic interaction between
the personality of the reader and literatureinteraction which may be utilized for
assessing personality and monitoring
adjustment and growth in individuals (Sawyer,
W.E.; 2009)

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

A child can see how others confronted and

solved problems similar to the childs.

A child can see how others have encountered
anxieties and frustrations, hopes and
disappointments and then apply these
insights to real-life situations.
A child can see alternative solutions to
problems/conflict

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

To provide information about problems

to provide insight into the problems
To stimulate discussion about problems
To communicate new values and attitudes
To create awareness that others have dealt

with similar problem

To provide solutions to problems
( Pardeck, 1994; Gladding,1991)
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Identification

- reader associates himself/herself with a

character or situation in a book.
Catharsis
- reader shares the feelings and
motivations of the books character
Insight
- reader realizes his/her situation can be
dealt more effectively by imitating/adapting
ideas from reading material.
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 Refer to story Lilly has to say Goodbye..

..\..\LGA3101_2013\LGA3101_TOPIC 15_Bibliothe
raphy_story.doc
1.What does she do with her strong feelings?
2.How can she help resolve her own confused
feelings?
3. What could she do to help herself to feel
better?
4. How could she express all the jumbled up
feelings she had inside her?
LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

 Sensory motor stage ( Birth-2 years)

Pre-operational stage (2-7 yrs)

-ego centric, symbolism, moral realism

Concrete operational stage (7-11 yrs)
- realize objects are not always the way they
appear
- children imagine different scenario what if
something were to happen.
- Learn if things change they will still be the same
as used to be.
Formal operational stage ( 11-16yrs)
LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

1) INFORMATION

- books that address a particular problem enables a

child to gather accurate & reliable information in an
unthreatening manner.
-- children develop anxiety over a problem because
they do not see the problem in its proper
perspective.
- educating children to the realities of the world and
its problems provides a base of knowledge they can
rely on.

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

refers to experience of sharing.

children are deeply affected when they are

confronted with a problem; they often feel alone.

Discovering through books that others share the
same problems reduces this sense of
loneliness/isolation.
Realizing that he/she is not the only person in the
world with a particular problem is helpful in coping
with that problem.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to

Heal

refers to ability to share the feelings of another

individual.
children are not necessarily born with empathy.
they can be both cruel and thoughtlessness toward
those they perceive differently.
This cruelty is based on ignorance or fear.
Books share the thoughts and feelings of other with
their readers.
.
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Through books they learn of their own worth and the

worth of others
achievement of academics without development of
character is of limited worth.
Building empathy begins with seeing others as
human beings with needs similar to our own.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

When faced with a difficult problem, children may be

so focused on the problem.

They are incapable of stepping back and seeing the
situation in a larger framework.
Books provide opportunities to observe how others
view a problem.
Children explore various attempts by characters to
resolve that problem.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Children realize there are alternative

ways for dealing with a problem.

Discussing a story, children can
learn that choices can be made.
An important skill to cultivate options
in problem solving.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

When a child is faced with a problem, the

world can seem a cold and frightening
place.
It is true that some bad things happen in
life.
The world will never be perfect.
But there are also wonderful and beautiful
things about life.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Children need to understand this

when faced with a problem.

They need to be able to affirm that
there are truly beautiful things about
life.
this can be addreseed and
reinforced through books .
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Problem solving ability

ability to identify socially accepted behaviors
personal adjustment
values development
interpersonal relationships
acceptance of people different from

themselves
reading achievement
( Pardeck, 1994; Gladding,1991)
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

FACTORS

a) Developmental Appropriateness
- understand children/types of concerns at
different developmental stages/age.
- choose books that suit their age level.
b) Choice of books
- illustration & text must be analysed with the
same criteria used to select any books.
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Pay particular attention to content

accuracy and style of delivery.
A book that solves a problem in an
oversimplified manner might not help
children to deal with reality.
Books that use animal character can be
appropriate.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

Even a child knows a lizard (for

example in Lilly has to say

goodbye) doesnt talk but it can still
be effective in dealing with problems
because the issues are realistic.
story should have a clear appeal; the
child must be able to relate to the
character and the solution.
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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

a) Research the facts

important to have good grasp of the information to
be used.
only facts & real information should be used.
Half-truths & lies will destroy credibility.
Review books & articles on the topic for ideas on
the best way to introduce the subject.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

b) Be Sensitive
a child with a problem exists within a family; family
is most likely aware of the problem
Let parents know how problem is being addressed.
(via meetings, telephone calls)
Anticipate possible reactions children could have
prior the lesson.
This is to prepare /plan responses to these
reactions.

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

c) Use Good Timing

make sure children are ready for
bibliotherapy lesson.
make certain that trust has been
established
ensure adequate amount of time for
exploring the issue.
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d) Integrate the Topic

integrate the use of bibliotherapy with other parts of
curriculum
e) Plan for the Long Term
plan bibliotherapy in a logical progression steps.
Eg. Begin with self-concept, followed by family
concerns, school concerns and personal safety.
Each topic buils up on the previous one.

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

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f) Remember the Role

Teachers role is to shed light & understanding on
some of the problems/fears chhildren encounter.
- Set the stage: Describe time & place of the story
- Read the book together.
- Reflect together (ask open-ended Qs)
-Personalize the story

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

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LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

g) Maintain Flexibility
be flexible
be ready to shift gears, take an
unexpected turn or back up as the
situation demands.
Allow children time to build up to
discussing their real concerns.
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 Children are concern about

1 SELF
2 FAMILY
3 FRIENDS
4 OTHER PEOPLE AROUND THEM
5 ILLNESS/DEATH
6 CHILDHOOD FEAR
Can you add more to the list?
LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

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 Based on the story Lilly has to say

goodbye
discuss how childrens concerns can be
addressed via bibliotherapy.
- Analyse and Identify what are the
childrens concerns addressed in the story?
- Suggest ways you would take to resolve
the concerns using the Bibliotheraputic
process ( 3 steps )

LGA 3101: Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Heal

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