Building a Better Self-Concept through Story Book Guidance.

Bibliotherapy, identifying with a storybook character, is one of the best ways for a child to gain insight into himself and to have a better understanding of himself and others. To begin this technique, it is necessary for the teacher to become well-acquainted with children's books so that he may be able to give capsule summaries of appropriate stories when the right time comes. The teacher might also categorize books for easy access according to children's problems and needs. Such categories might include problems of (1) appearance; (2) physical handicaps; (3) siblings, place in family, new baby; (4) acceptance by peer group or by oneself; (5) atypical unhappy home situation; (6) economic insecurity and unsettled living; (7) foreign or different backgrounds; and (8) need for diversion. Group guidance sessions are one of the best ways to introduce bibliotherapy. Examples of books corresponding to children's needs and problems and references are included. (CL)