Addressing Self-Esteem Through the Use of Bibliotherapy in Literature Circles

This action research project takes a look at integrating the literary technique of bibliotherapy with that of the literature circle to increase fifth-grade students' comprehension skills and self-esteem. This project follows two classes from the same school and grade as they experiment with these two techniques. In 2007, Class A students were divided into heterogeneous literature circle groups to read the book Jeckie's Nine. Class A prepared for literature circle groups by completing two graphic organizers, one about the character and one summarizing the selection. Students also completed a section on the graphic organizers entitled "lifelong implications" after their literature circle meeting. Class B read the book Jackie's Nine alone and created personal journal responses. All students were given the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to assess for changes in comprehension and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to assess for changes in self-esteem.