Armed with his trusty box of props, Scots-Memorial Uniting Church Minister Graham Sturdy brings stories to life at Scots Early Learning Centre in Hobart.
With a view to engage the participants of Scots Early Learning Centre through story time, Rev Sturdy has become a favourite guest with the staff and children since moving from the UK to Hobart just three years ago.
Service co-ordinator Meegan Hodgson said story time is a highlight for the children. “Even the most restless children are engaged and enjoy the story. Graham sparks the children’s imagination and stimulates their curiosity.”
“The children start to learn the value of books and stories while developing early literacy skills, language, words and sounds.” said Meegan.
The fondness goes both ways, with Rev Sturdy – a former teacher – delighting in the joy his puppets, figurines and images bring to the children. “I look forward to story time as much as the children do,” he said.
“When I arrive with the story box, there’s always a sense of excitement from the children as they guess what is in the box.
“It’s wonderful to see how engaged the children are during story time.” Rev Sturdy said.