Educational Toys And Books For Character Education - By Sarah Itzhaki, PhD, and Steven Tobias, PsyD
Bibliotherapy for social-emotional learning experience.
- Only kids like Jack need to be reached out to.
- Why can’t we just talk about it?
- If children are not approached properly, can they cope with their troubled emotions?
- What’s the result?
- If the direct route is jammed, what else can we do?
- Why do stories work where simple words can’t?
- Bibliotherapy – what is it?
- This is the tale. What about the toy?
- What is the youngest age for a healing story?
- How to choose the appropriate book-toy product?
- Summing up
An iceberg floating piecefully in the ocean or a majestic tree - what magnificent sights! But we know that’s not it! The submerged part of the iceberg and the roots of the tree may reach distances deeper than and far beyond our grasp. If the iceberg or tree had eyes, it would not be able to see its dimension or roots hidden below the surface. Would the iceberg or tree be aware of the unseen parts of its existence?
Looking at other people, we see their faces and expressions, their bodies, movements, and behavior. But we know that’s not it! We can’t see the deeper, subtler parts of their being. How do we reach out to those essential areas? Should we try? Why?
“… kids were playing in the playground. They were running, jumping, tossing a ball. Jack* was playing a little harder than the others. He was snatching the ball and pushing kids around. Some cried.”
Why? What are the roots of Jack’s aggressive behavior? You might feel antagonized by it and bring him to order. Will this help? You can show empathy and ask, “Jack, why are you behaving this way?” Will this help? The answer is no. The hidden roots that hold the answers are beyond Jack’s and your reach.
The combined experience of an enticing story and a relevant toy hold the key to the hidden parts of the child, because they touch his imagination and involve more of his senses.
April 10th 2008