Reading promotes children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and academic development (Rintaningrum, 2009). Specifically, literacy-rich experiences, such as shared reading, can be a valuable strategy for enhancing both literacy skills and socioemotional learning (Cook et al., 2017). In building on this knowledge, the present study explores how a novel Zoom-based, semi-structured shared book reading intervention facilitates mental health conversations among 13 Black girls (Mage = 7.57, SD = 1.73) and their caregivers. In the intervention, caregivers were asked to read a book about a Black girl learning about her emotions and then to engage in a guided discussion about mental health (Mtime = 23 min 47 s, SD = 7.43 min). In 8 cases, the caregiver read the book aloud and in 6 cases the child read the book aloud. Preliminary findings indicate that the shared book reading activity prompted families to engage in discussions around: identifying emotions (e.g., sadness, happiness, anxiety), coping with emotions (e.g., engaging in mindfulness practices), and seeking support from others (e.g., fathers, younger siblings). Additionally, observational behavioral coding revealed that both caregivers and their daughters expressed high interest, engagement, and enjoyment in the task, which are important metrics in evaluating its feasibility. We will discuss how findings illustrate how shared book reading activities can serve as developmentally appropriate entry points for discussing emotional well-being and mental health in addition to improving children’s early literacy and cognitive skills, which has implications for research, policy, and practice.

Authors:
Haja Kamara, New York University, United States
Elisha Arnold, New York University, United States
Lauren Mims, New York University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Haja Kamara is a doctoral student in the Clinical/Counseling Psychology program at New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, working under the mentorship of Dr. Shabnam Javdani.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haja-kamara-mph-b9217b14b/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark