Author's program teaches sensitivity

The author encourages parents to read with children so they can express their feelings.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Books can provide a way for schoolchildren to learn about their feelings and how to cope with them, according to an author of children's books.
New York City-based Elizabeth Levy presented Thursday a series of programs about writing to Girard Intermediate School students.
"In my writing, I want them to realize how you can hurt people so easily," Levy said.
Through books, Levy said, children can realize how their remarks can hurt other students, which sometimes leads to violence. Books also allow students to realize they're not alone in their feelings.
Lessons learned: Levy explained that the characters in her books act spontaneously, but they eventually learn lessons by adults helping them.
"Very often, parents don't realize the depth of children's literature," she said.
"The hope is that they understand their feelings so they don't feel so alone," Levy asserted.
She encourages parents to read with their children and discuss their feelings so they don't act out on those feelings. Levy said she believes that if parents do this, young people will have greater compassion when they reach adulthood.
Not a chore: She doesn't think the reading will be a chore for parents.
"They will actually enjoy it. It doesn't have to be a long time -- 15 minutes," she said.
Despite violence in schools, Levy said there are also good things going on. "That often gets forgotten," she added.