Parallel Session Proceedings »
3.6.1 Bibliotherapy By the Campfire: Building Social & Emotional Skills Through Picture Books
Bibliotherapy can be an effective gateway to connect children to book characters who may be experiencing the same types of emotional and social situations. The practice dates back to 1916 when it was mentioned in an Atlantic Monthly article by Samuel Crothers, who coined the word. Educators, counselors, and parents need intervention strategies to help children navigate social and emotional challenges. The presenter uses a "campfire setting" in her classroom to promote a sense of community through storytelling and discussion. The cardboard campfire symbolizes the way our ancestors may have shared stories, developed empathy, and built relationships. The presenter will share her "campfire" model as well as a bibliotherapy model developed by Dr. Caroline Shrodes and others. The model is as follows : identification, catharsis, insight, universalization, and integration. A wide-variety of children's picture books for children from preschool through fifth grade will be presented.