Episode 2: Developing Emotional Literacy in Children Through Books and Play

The episode of “Pages and Play” focuses on emotional literacy as central to bibliotherapy and play therapy, emphasising that children need language and safety to understand and express feelings, and that adults’ own emotional awareness is vital. We discuss how books and play provide safe ways to explore big emotions (anger, grief, anxiety, jealousy) and reduce shame, supporting co-regulation and later self-regulation. We reference theories and research from Claude Steiner, Daniel Goleman, and Mia Kellmer Pringle on emotional security and learning. We discuss how hide-and-seek and the Hansel and Gretel fairytale illustrate how a child can process separation anxiety, attachment needs, and autonomy, alongside the importance of validating feelings. Practical prompts include body-based questions and open-ended reading discussions, plus book recommendations for children, teens, parents and caregivers.Learn how books from renowned authors like Brené Brown, Tom Percival, and Mark Wolynn can guide both adults and children through the complex landscape of emotional development. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or your child, you’ll find resources to nurture self-awareness, compassion, and connection within your family.00:00 Emotional Literacy Basics01:21 Why Words Matter02:28 Emotional Literacy Research and Foundations04:01 Play Therapy Goals04:50 Lessons from Hide and Seek06:57 The Use of Fairytales in Bibliotherapy and Play Therapy07:58 Hansel and Gretel Case Study10:08 Characters as Containers13:58 Multiplicity of Feelings19:38 Body Signals and Questions22:15 Building Secure Attachment through Hide and Seek27:06 Back to the Hansel and Gretel Case Story35:21 Imagination & Executive Skills37:51 Bibliotherapy Reading Tools42:47 Book Recommendations51:59 Closing Takeaways Support the show-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Find out more at Book Therapy or Play RefugeOr email us at [email protected] or [email protected]