What is bibliotherapy?
While most research indicates that gifted learners are well adjusted, these students often cope with threats to their social and emotional development that are unique to their giftedness. Gifted individuals often have increased sensitivities which can lead to heightened stress levels, and many of these learners struggle to fit in with peers while also maintaining their individuality (Hébert & Kent, 2000). Social isolation and perfectionism are two specific areas of risk that gifted students face. Preventative counseling is one strategy that can be used to help gifted learners cope with these issues and remain well adjusted as they strive to develop their gifts and talents fully.
Bibliotherapy is a type of self-help, preventative counseling strategy that can be used as part of an affective curriculum for gifted learners. Bibliotherapy for gifted students involves authentic interaction with books, both fiction and nonfiction, about gifted individuals. It is a practical strategy that allows gifted learners to read about characters facing similar problems. Simply reading these books is not bibliotherapy, however; there must be meaningful interaction with the text. This interaction can include guided discussions, role playing, and creative problem solving (Frasier & McCannon, 1981; Hébert, 1991; Hébert & Kent, 2000).
There are many benefits to the use of bibliotherapy with gifted students. By allowing gifted children to read about other gifted people, they are able to understand their own giftedness, develop strategies to cope with their struggles, and continue to develop their talents and abilities. As they identify with main characters, these students can express feelings and safely explore conflict resolution in a manner that is less threatening than direct confrontation (Hébert, 1991; Moon, 2002). Often, gifted students learn from the book characters and experience feelings of relief for not being alone. An additional benefit of bibliotherapy is that is promotes peer discussion which can ultimately lead to new friendships (Hébert & Kent, 2000).
Choosing books for bibliotherapy with gifted students may seem like a daunting task; however, there are many suggested selections easily accessible in a quick Internet search! This website recommends books that would be useful for teachers, parents, and counselors who are working with gifted students in the elementary school setting. These books have been selected to address the social and emotional issues of social isolation and perfectionism specifically. When choosing a book, it is important to remember that although the level of the book may not be challenging for a gifted student, the characters and problems may be ((Hébert & Kent, 2000).
Happy reading!
Bibliotherapy is a type of self-help, preventative counseling strategy that can be used as part of an affective curriculum for gifted learners. Bibliotherapy for gifted students involves authentic interaction with books, both fiction and nonfiction, about gifted individuals. It is a practical strategy that allows gifted learners to read about characters facing similar problems. Simply reading these books is not bibliotherapy, however; there must be meaningful interaction with the text. This interaction can include guided discussions, role playing, and creative problem solving (Frasier & McCannon, 1981; Hébert, 1991; Hébert & Kent, 2000).
There are many benefits to the use of bibliotherapy with gifted students. By allowing gifted children to read about other gifted people, they are able to understand their own giftedness, develop strategies to cope with their struggles, and continue to develop their talents and abilities. As they identify with main characters, these students can express feelings and safely explore conflict resolution in a manner that is less threatening than direct confrontation (Hébert, 1991; Moon, 2002). Often, gifted students learn from the book characters and experience feelings of relief for not being alone. An additional benefit of bibliotherapy is that is promotes peer discussion which can ultimately lead to new friendships (Hébert & Kent, 2000).
Choosing books for bibliotherapy with gifted students may seem like a daunting task; however, there are many suggested selections easily accessible in a quick Internet search! This website recommends books that would be useful for teachers, parents, and counselors who are working with gifted students in the elementary school setting. These books have been selected to address the social and emotional issues of social isolation and perfectionism specifically. When choosing a book, it is important to remember that although the level of the book may not be challenging for a gifted student, the characters and problems may be ((Hébert & Kent, 2000).
Happy reading!