LIBRARIES TODAY: Gwen Vanderhage

Featuring Social Emotional Learning in the Library

by Gwen Vanderhage —

Collection Development Librarian, Brodart Co.

Gwen has worked with books for children and teens for 17 years. She has worked in libraries from Virginia to Colorado and even served on the 2019 Caldecott Award committee. She joined Brodart to share her passion for children’s literature with as many different libraries as possible. Children’s books have always served as both entertainment and education, whether characters are transported to a joust during King Arthur’s rule, exploring the Arctic, or experiencing the unique solutions offered by Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, there are sprinkles of history, science, and social skills throughout. Picture books for the youngest have especially focused on making friends, sharing, and gaining mastery over emotions. Over the last several years, school districts in 29 states have adopted Social Emotional Learning standards as part of their curriculum. As my son’s first grade teacher said, “I’m focused on teaching kindness.” Authors and publishers are rising to demand, with more books than ever that focus on these topics.

Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, has become a buzz-term; what exactly does it include? SEL equips children to: • Manage emotions • Collaborate with others • Communicate effectively • Make responsible decisions

Librarians can support community efforts to help kids with these skills by featuring titles around emotions, growth mindset, and inclusion in displays and book lists.

As the 2021 school year opens to continued stressors caused by the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and parents will be looking for resources to help kids revive dormant social skills and deal with anxiety, grieving, and life changes. Understanding and coping with the current social upheaval in our country also falls within the SEL framework. Encourage staff to face-out attractive titles that focus on diverse experiences from around the world and around the neighborhood. These include not just racial or religious diversity, but also poverty, neurodivergence, and different kinds of families.

Those of us who love and use children’s literature in our work are so fortunate that books continue to entertain and educate no matter our circumstances.