Bibliotherapy Guide and Module: Storytelling for Growth and Healing - Bibliotherapy Sampler and Tool Kit

Before presenting samplers, activities and the approach into a bibliotherapy session, there are three basic points to remember when one is preparing for a bibliotherapy session. Teacher, writer and guidance counselor Theres Pelias, in her research on bibliotherapy in 2005, provides these reminders:

●     Read. Nothing beats a personal knowledge of the story.

●     Identify significant parts of the story that echoes your own feelings and thoughts.

●     Be keen with connections you know the student/reader can make with the selection on hand.

                For school librarians, Keri McCaffrey (2016) has this to say:

●     Develop a comprehensive bibliotherapy list – inclusive of all literary types, genre and media format.

●     Accompany the book list or directory with displays of books.

●     Create information on mental health and wellness books.

●     Create programming with children and teens that address difficult issues and foster learning in a safe environment.

                Resources for bibliotherapy are very important. This is why, in cooperation with librarian friends in the Southern Tagalog Region, we have started collecting and curating titles of books recommended by teachers, parents, writers and concerned professionals. The link to the online form can be accessed here:  https://forms.gle/EGX8mheEc2cKvZvz8

                The librarians involved in this project will be in-charge of the development of a Philippine Bibliotherapy Resource Center (PBRC). This establishment of the PBRC is an online directory and database. Inspired by the many initiatives of librarians, artists, cultural workers and storytellers working and helping evacuation center personnel, staff and volunteers in Batangas, the PBRC includes art, play, music and movement resources.  It has three guidelines for recommending books, activities and resources.

1. Our readers and learners are children in the K-3 grade levels. Consider their development stages in reading and information processing.

2. Our target readers and learners are children from Batangas who are affected by the eruption of Taal volcano. Context matters!

3. Universal themes such as hope, perseverance, kindness and the like are just as important as the readers’ context and developmental stages. Your recommended books and resources can go beyond topics and concepts on natural disasters, displacement, loss, and evacuation.

Here are seven easy to do starter tips for planning and preparing for a bibliotherapy session:

·         * Focus on your purpose: a bibliotherapist is a companion, a listener and a guide.

·         * Select a story that is appropriate for the occasion and purpose of the bibliotherapy session.

·         * Determine objectives and anticipate responses of young readers/listeners of your session.

·        * Follow the 3 steps plus 2 when planning: identification, catharsis, insight + taking action and follow through

·         * Assess and evaluate the bibliotherapy session by reviewing and reflecting the objectives after its conduct.

·         * Anecdote and document as you go. This can also be done by a partner. Needless to say, your preparation and planning can be approached through group or team effort. Composition of team: Storyteller; Scribe; Facilitator/s; Logistics and Operations