Early childhood students help out with Ararat Library Story Time

A group of wdeaworks Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care students are learning on the job, helping with weekly pre-school story time sessions at the Ararat Library.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said library staff were delighted to have the help of the students, who set up a craft session for the children after the session.

Dr Harrison said the students also take part in the sessions, helping library staff member Grant Thomas with his presentation.

“The sessions, which are held on a Thursday, are very popular with pre-school children, attracting around 15 children each week,” he said.

“Not only do the sessions provide the children with some fun entertainment, they also help with their literacy through reading and singing, and familiarises them with their local library, which we hope they continue to use well into their adult years.

“It’s really great to have the wdeaworks students on board with these sessions and Mr Thomas has been really glad to have extra hands on deck for the sessions. Council and library staff thanks wdeaworks for establishing the connection between the two organisations.”

Wdeaworks Trainer and Assessor Debra Opie said the Certificate III students were gaining a lot of valuable experience taking part in the story time sessions, which would help make them much better early childhood educators when they enter the workforce.

“There is a lot of demand for early childhood educators in the region and wdeaworks is really keen to provide our students with as much hands-on experience as possible during their training,” Ms Opie said.

“The students are really enjoying themselves and it’s been great for them to get a taste of what it will be like when they start working in their chosen career.”

Ms Opie said the students helped Mr Thomas plan for each session, choosing the featured book, songs and craft activity.

“They then set up the craft activity and help the children complete it,” she said.

“The students love taking part in the activities, songs and dances, and their positive interaction is welcomed by the children, their carers and, of course, the Ararat Regional Library staff. It’s been a great partnership all round.”

Image above: Ararat Regional Library staff member Grant Thomas (seated) with wdeaworks students (l-r) Caleb Bretherton, Taylah Dunn, Raianna Newman-Ngahooro and Katelan Honeyman.