Using Children's Literature to Support Social-Emotional Growth in the Classroom

Abstract

Within this chapter, bibliotherapy is presented as a tool to provide social-emotional support to children in school settings, including those who are experiencing chronic diseases. The history and process of bibliotherapy are both examined, as well as current and past research on the effectiveness of bibliotherapy. It also incorporates practical, everyday resources, such as examples of literature that is appropriate for varied age groups, and/or challenges that individuals may face, including suggested steps to using school-based bibliotherapy effectively in a classroom environment. The chapter concludes with considerations for future research in the field. By the end of this chapter, an understanding of bibliotherapy will be developed as well as the practical “how-to” of a bibliotherapeutic approach to discussing and coping with both everyday (e.g., making friends) and more serious issues (e.g., chronic illness) in the classroom environment.