Making a Place for Bibliotherapy on the Shelves of a Curriculum Materials Center - The Case for Helping Pre-Service Teachers Use Developmental Bibliotherapy in the Classroom - Abstract

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda

This article argues for embedding developmental bibliotherapy (DB) preparation into teacher education, emphasizing correct implementation to maximize benefits and prevent unintended harm. It explains how DB uses facilitated children’s literature and psycho/socio-educational dialogue to support students’ normal development and address issues such as bullying, divorce-related concerns, and self-image. It also outlines how curriculum materials center (CMC) education librarians guide pre-service teachers in selecting appropriate resources, while reviewing history, perceptions, and controversy surrounding bibliotherapy practices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Developmental Bibliotherapy

History and Perceptions of Developmental Bibliotherapy

Controversy

Uses of Developmental Bibliotherapy

Making a place for bibliotherapy on the shelves of a curriculum materials center: The case for helping pre-service teachers use developmental bibliotherapy in the classroom By Amy Catalano Abstract: With developmental bibliotherapy frequently used in schools, this article addresses the necessity of educating future teachers in the proper implementation of bibliotherapy so that their students may reap the benefits and avoid inadvertent harm. The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and use of developmental bibliotherapy in the classroom and to promote the same. The article also reviews the role of the education librarian in a Curriculum Materials Center (CMC). Introduction The purpose of a Curriculum Materials Center (CMC) and emotional issues” (Mcmillen 2006) . is to provide materials to pre-service or in-service Developmental Bibliotherapy however, can be used in teachers, (i.e., Student teachers or teachers in the the classroom where the goal may be to facilitate beginning of their teacher education) in order for them normal development or to educate students about to create lesson plans as well as to allow them to attitudes, feelings and behaviors such as bullying, become familiar with the many materials available for divorce, and self-image (Mcmillen 2006) . DB can also use in education. Many CMCs include not only be defined as a “process of dynamic interaction textbooks, activity books and manipulatives, but also between an individual and literature through facilitated children’s literature and psycho/socio-educational dialogue…[where] bibliotherapy underscores the games (the latter of which is geared to be used by importance of the reader’s feeling response to the counselors in training) . literature.” (Schlicter & Bibliotherapy’s genesis and “Reading about noble deeds may not of itself Burke 1994) . The research prescription historically began produce noble character, but such reading is strongly suggests that for DB with licensed therapists and undoubtedly a source of inspiration. The ambitious to be effective discussion physicians. It falls under two young person who is fond of reading finds must occur. Various different categories: enchantment in the lives of people who overcame methods by which to Therapists practice clinical obstacles to achievement though dint of hard facilitate appropriate bibliotherapy while librarians effort.” discussion will be and/or teachers may practice ~ Herbert et al. (2001) addressed. Developmental Bibliotherapy (DB) . With the use of DB prevalent in schools, it is necessary to educate future teachers in the proper implementation of bibliotherapy so that students may reap the benefits and avoid inadvertent harm. The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and use of DB in the classroom and to promote the same. The article also reviews the role of the education librarian in a Curriculum Materials Center (CMC) . History and Perceptions of Developmental Bibliotherapy The roots of bibliotherapy began in the nineteenth century when doctors started “prescribing” books (with the aid of the librarian) in the 19th century, to patients in a hospital so that they may become familiar with the symptoms of their medical issues (Warner 1980) . Bibliotherapy has since evolved as a technique used by mental health professionals to help guide clients through their problems by directed reading. This is called Clinical Bibliotherapy with the books being used to stimulate discussion of difficult feelings“or facilitate resolution of more significant behavioral Controversy In public libraries for both children and adults, reference librarians practice bibliotherapy directly with their patrons. A parent, for example, may come to a children’s librarian to request a book about death to read to a child who has just lost a grandparent, and the librarian may consult a ready-made bibliography or search the catalog using the subject headings “grief

FAQs

Why does the article emphasize educating future teachers about developmental bibliotherapy?

Because developmental bibliotherapy is frequently used in schools, the article argues teachers must be trained in proper implementation so students can gain benefits while avoiding inadvertent harm.

What role does the education librarian play in a Curriculum Materials Center (CMC)?

The article states the education librarian helps pre-service teachers through appropriate methods for implementing developmental bibliotherapy in their classrooms, rather than directly practicing DB with patrons.

How does the article address controversy around bibliotherapy?

It notes controversy can arise in public libraries when bibliotherapy is viewed as overly clinical or unprofessional, and when selected books include strong sexual or religious themes; avoiding controversy is discussed in the applications section.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda