Manchester Literary Council students to host Book Bash at Pierceton Elementary
The Manchester University Undergraduate Literary Council is hosting a superhero-themed Book Bash in the Pierceton Elementary School gymnasium from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 15.
The Literary Council invites all students of Pierceton Elementary and their families. The event promotes literacy in a fun and exciting way.
“Children and their families benefit because they spend an evening deeply engaged in literacy,” said Dr. Heather Schilling, chair of the MU Education Department. “It’s a fun evening so parents/guardians and their children interact with one another and walk away having enjoyed fun literacy activities. Children also have the opportunity to interact with university students who are excited about literacy – so excited they are willing to give up hours to plan and host a Book Bash. The message, I hope, will be just one piece of the messages they receive about the importance of reading, writing, and speaking.”
Every year, the Literary Council chooses a different school for this event. Last year’s event was at Akron Elementary School.
“My favorite part of the annual Book Bash is watching the Undergrad Lit Council members’ creativity and passion for kids unfold,” Schilling said. “I know how hard the planning committee works to create a meaningful evening, and when the elementary children are in the midst of the experience, I love to watch the deep sense of purpose on the college students’ faces.”
The Literacy Council will have several stations including a book walk, a read-aloud, a photobooth, and a cape- and mask-making station. Each child will receive at least one free book.
Manchester University students are encouraged to volunteer at this event. Those interested should contact Schilling or student Toni Papandrea.
“With the Undergraduate Literacy Council’s Book Bash (as well as other projects), the benefits are multiple,” Schilling said. “University students have the opportunity to exhibit leadership and organizational skills. Like almost all of the projects I support, the university students are the ones who design and implement the events. One of my favorite parts about being at Manchester is empowering undergrads with just enough structure and encouragement they create and implement amazing events. The undergrads realize they can accomplish more than they ever believed.”
The Undergraduate Literacy Council is one of many organizations at Manchester, and all majors are welcome to join. Its mission is to promote literacy in all aspects of life.
The organization hosts movie nights, welcomes guest speakers and literacy panels on campus, and attends Book Club with residents of Timbercrest Senior Living Community.
About Manchester
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., is a northeast Indiana leader in health science education. It offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu .
Press release prepared by by Carly Kwiecien, an intern in the MU Office of Strategic Communications.
October 2018