Five Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Communication students are hosting a diverse children’s book drive from April 18 through April 21 for AUM’s Early Learning Center (ELC) as part of a class public relations civic engagement campaign. The book drive will culminate on Thursday, April 21 at noon at the ELC in a presentation of the donated books to the children.
Donation boxes to collect diverse children’s books will be placed (from April 18 through 21) in the following locations: the AUM library, outside of the Student Resource Center in the Taylor Center, inside the ELC and in the COMM Department office. Monetary donations to help the ELC to expand its diverse book selection are also appreciated.
Thursday’s event will include Communication major Macio Malone singing his song, “To My First Born” to the preschoolers before their naptime. Malone received a Broadcast Education Association award for his song. Along with the performance, the Communication class will read to the students.
Laura Wildman, Director of AUM’s Early Learning Center, stresses the importance of exposing children to books that promote tolerance, inclusivity, and understanding of differences. The ELC represents families and children from all over the world that speak a variety of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Turkish and three different Indian dialects. In addition, families at the ELC represent a variety of backgrounds and dynamics. As such, it is extremely important that these young children see themselves and their families in the books they are exposed to on a daily basis. Wildman explains, “We intentionally ask for more books that show more diversity.” For monetary donations, visit www.aum.edu/collegeofeducation/early-learning-center. If you are an AUM student interested in volunteering to read, contact Laura Wildman at lwildman@aum.edu.
About AUM’s ELCThe ELC is dedicated to nurturing, supporting, and encouraging students as they prepare to enter elementary school. They serve children from diverse racial groups and ethnic backgrounds–with a variety of academic and social needs–and strive to develop self-directed, self-disciplined, self-responsible children who have a passion for life and a concern for others.