Bibliotherapy and Social and Emotional Learning in the Elementary Music Setting

Abstract

Bibliotherapy is a technique that invites children to see themselves in the characters of carefully selected children’s literature with the intention of making connections, building empathy, developing social skills, processing difficult situations, and more. The purpose of this article is to explore the intersections of bibliotherapy, social and emotional learning (SEL), and approaches in elementary music. Many music educators already implement children’s literature in the classroom—bibliotherapy provides a deeper dimension to these existing literature-related activities. Strategies for implementation of bibliotherapy in music settings are offered including specific books addressing each of the five components of the SEL framework: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.