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Read for Resilience: Supporting Children after Disasters with Storybooks


Research Team

Name Name

Principal Investigator: Amy Napoli

Co-Principal Investigators: Holly Hatton, Jaclynn Foged, Soni Cochran

Funding Information

Funding Agency: Extension Disaster Education Network

Award Date: Feb 1, 2021

End Date: Aug 31, 2022

Abstract

This project is designed to expand the Read for Resilience program into kits that communities can have readily available to respond immediately when they are affected by disasters.  

Researchers plan to develop a resource for childcare providers to give them tools to support children and families after a natural disaster. The kit will include a how-to guide, storybooks, storybook guides and materials for activities.  

The how-to guide will provide information on children’s responses to stressful situations and guidance on using developmentally appropriate strategies to support them. There will also be information on self-care strategies for adults and resources to provide to families. 

The storybooks will focus on themes of resilience and coping. The storybook guides will provide age-appropriate prompts for caregivers to engage children in conversations, as well as activities to extend their learning.  

Researchers will also gather information pertaining to feasibility and acceptability of the Read for Resilience child care toolkits.


Social, Emotional and Behavioral Well-being

Led by Nebraska Extension, Read for Resilience offers children free storybooks with themes of coping with trauma, loss, grief and stress.