To improve community health, we cannot be afraid to have difficult conversations, even with our earliest learners. One of the best ways to introduce children ages 4-11 to a tough topic is through books before the difficult situation has occurred. Tough topics story times use picture books to gently explore themes of death and grief, mental health, and divorce. These story times can be held as special events or be incorporated into your existing story times. Learn the developmental stages of child grief and the research behind exploring tough topics through books. We will discuss ways to acknowledge Children’s Grief Awareness Day and how to create hands-on activities to assist children in working through difficult subject matter. Resources on community partnerships that can provide emotional support to families will be included, as will booklists on each tough topic.
1. Participants will learn the ages and developmental stages of child grief. 2. Participants will understand the importance of social emotional learning for preschool and elementary aged learners. 3. Participants will be equipped to discuss difficult topics with families in a story time setting, connect families to community resources, and to advocate for tough topics programming in their library.
