BIBLIOTHERAPY

An Introduction for
Educators

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

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.

Bibliotherapy Can Be
Conducted :
On

an individual
basis

In

a group setting

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

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)

Some Activities Are:

1.
Discussion with the
facilitator
2.

Composition

3.
Using a tape recorder to
record students thoughts
4.

Artistic expression

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)

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).

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)

The following themes

work well using a
bibliotherapeutic
model:
Identity

Self Knowledge
Self Esteem
Bullying
Learning Disabilities
Divorce
Death and Loss

The individual is believed to

receive the
benefits
of bibliotherapy by passing
through three stages:

Identification
Catharsis
Insight

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)

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)

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)

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)

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!"

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.comor by calling
1-800-374-2721.
- Lutra Press
(http://www.lutrapress.comorPhone:
503-291-0265) has a resource book
that lists various fiction books to
use for a large variety of issues in
childrens' lives.

Bibliography
Pardeck,

J.T. (1995). Bibliotherapy: An innovative approach for

helping children. Early Child Development and Care, 110, 8388.

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.