Students in the University of the Cumberlands (UC) business and accounting programs, along with numerous business professors, recently visited Williamsburg Independent School District (WISD) to talk to students about the basics of financial literacy.
“It’s a chance to teach the children how they want to spend their money in the future and just see what they’re excited about,” said Chloe Sharp, a junior accounting major from Knoxville, TN.
UC students read the book Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday to the elementary children. Throughout the story, the character Alexander uses his money for silly things.
The elementary students were asked to count the money that Alexander spent in the story, to realize how much he had used. Then the children drew pictures of what they wanted to save money for in the future, so they could begin thinking about saving their own earnings.
“We relate [the book] to life: what they want to save up for in life, what they want to spend their money on,” said Seth Garner, a senior from Owensboro, KY studying business administration. “It’s a fun way to talk to them about savings.”
After the presentation, each child was given a small, plastic piggybank to help start their own savings.
“This is always an interesting thing, to go over and see the kids, see their responses,” said Dr. Mike LaGrone, one of the professors who helped lead the event.
“They get involved in the activities, and it’s helpful for our students to be doing something for the community.”
