MUNCIE, Ind. – At Ball State University, a team of students are in the process of creating a children's book that focuses on social and emotional learning for children of color and gifted children.
Libby Miller is one of the few research assistants that are a part of the project.
The inspiration behind the children’s book comes from how there are a lot of kids that don’t feel represented within their community.
“It’s important for them to know that there are people who are advocating for them and there are people out there that care about them. It’s important to see children like them and themselves represented in a book in a positive way to help foster a self positive identity,” said Miller.
The team is already a few steps ahead when starting the project, as their project leader, Dr. Ophelie Desment, has made a book before. The team has a plan for the way the book will be made, including how to get funding.
Miller has done more than just helping with research on the team.
“The things I’ve done personally is I’ve done a lot of storyboarding. I researched a lot into the components of social and emotional learning and I created part of the grant proposal,” explained Miller.
They plan to have the story written and presented to the community within the next year. Right now they are trying to get grant money to help fund the project as this will include storyboarders, illustrators and writers. Thinking long term, however, Miller discussed how the group plans to get feedback.
“We will also be conducting focus groups with parents, teachers and children to see how the book does with success in teaching emotional and social skills and with being culturally responsive and being a resource that’s appropriate for teachers and parents,” Miller describes.
The team will continue to promote their projects by submitting their proposals to get grants and bring the project to light within the community.
If you are interested in the project details you can contact the project leader by email at ophelie.desmet@bsu.edu.
Contact Andie Zelaya with comments at andie.zelaya@bsu.edu.
