Using Children's Literature
Bibliotherapy or therapy reading is the use of books to help children cope with their feelings. With picture books or novels, bibliotherapy can help children relate to their problems. Using children's literature or therapy reading (bibliotherapy) is an essential tool to teach children about bullying. In recent studies, educators who use books as a guide to teach children about respect have seen a change in their students' behavior. Students are starting to feel more empathy towards other students. Educators can select picture books dealing with bullying for students in preschool and elementary school. In addition, there are books available for middle school and teens. Teachers can use children's books to discuss bullying. In addition, using storybooks, teachers can create a dialogue with their students and ask questions about bullying. According to Janelle Cox (2015), "Using Children's Literature as anti-bulling device can improve a student's ability to sympathize, emphasize, and respect others. It can also help them develop a better understanding of how to cope with their problems" (Using Children’s Literature as Anti-Bullying Material 2015).
Most children are visual learners; therefore, picture books are an excellent resource to help children understand and be able to express their emotions.
"From a practical standpoint, bibliotherapy is highly versatile, cost effective, and appropriate for strengthening classroom pro-social support against bullying behaviors. In other words, rather than focusing on the individual level (victim and bully), by applying general principles of bibliotherapy in a classroom setting, school psychologists and teachers focus on the classroom level, identifying desired behaviors and strengthening classroom cohesiveness. Shared stories and related activities should empower classrooms to realize that bullies are the minority and bystanders are the majority" (Heath & Moulton, 2011).
Selection
It is essential to select appropriate books for children. It is a good idea to research books online for book reviews and/or recommendations. The School Library Journal is a great place to start searching for books on bullying. There are several other anti-bullying websites that have a list of recommended books for children and teens. Parents and educators will want to avoid books that are outdated or ineffective. Picture books are recommended for young children, and novel books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio" are appropriate for middle school children. Teachers and librarians should select books that have different scenarios. For example, the book Smile by Raina Telemeier" is a great example of friends turning into bullies. Raina, the main character, is teased and pushed by her so-called friends at school. Bullies can be anyone including friends and relatives; therefore, the book Smile is a different bully story than the usual story of a bully picking on a small kid at the school playground.
Select books
-Relevant
-Age appropriate
-Emotionally sensitive
-Message is clear and understanding
-Variety of characters
Avoid books that promote
Negative actions/behavior
- Violence
- Revenge
- Gangs
- Stereotype
- Hate *
Storytime/Programs
Librarians or teachers can create an anti-bullying programs (or storytime) by using different books on bullying.
Most children are visual learners; therefore, picture books are an excellent resource to help children understand and be able to express their emotions.
"From a practical standpoint, bibliotherapy is highly versatile, cost effective, and appropriate for strengthening classroom pro-social support against bullying behaviors. In other words, rather than focusing on the individual level (victim and bully), by applying general principles of bibliotherapy in a classroom setting, school psychologists and teachers focus on the classroom level, identifying desired behaviors and strengthening classroom cohesiveness. Shared stories and related activities should empower classrooms to realize that bullies are the minority and bystanders are the majority" (Heath & Moulton, 2011).
Selection
It is essential to select appropriate books for children. It is a good idea to research books online for book reviews and/or recommendations. The School Library Journal is a great place to start searching for books on bullying. There are several other anti-bullying websites that have a list of recommended books for children and teens. Parents and educators will want to avoid books that are outdated or ineffective. Picture books are recommended for young children, and novel books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio" are appropriate for middle school children. Teachers and librarians should select books that have different scenarios. For example, the book Smile by Raina Telemeier" is a great example of friends turning into bullies. Raina, the main character, is teased and pushed by her so-called friends at school. Bullies can be anyone including friends and relatives; therefore, the book Smile is a different bully story than the usual story of a bully picking on a small kid at the school playground.
Select books
-Relevant
-Age appropriate
-Emotionally sensitive
-Message is clear and understanding
-Variety of characters
Avoid books that promote
Negative actions/behavior
- Violence
- Revenge
- Gangs
- Stereotype
- Hate *
Storytime/Programs
Librarians or teachers can create an anti-bullying programs (or storytime) by using different books on bullying.