Elmer the Elephant

(Photograph) - Elmer the Elephant trumpeted the launch of a storysack initiative at Telford College Nursery in Edinburgh. Nursery children dressed up as their favourite storybook characters for the day and were visited by the college principal, Fiona Baikie (pictured). Parents, led by nursery nurse Sheree Blaik, sewed up 40 large drawstring bags and made or supplied most of the contents, which include an illustrated storybook along with a range of supporting materials and props featured in the story. An audiotape and parent's prompt sheet, prepared by Eileen Sibbald, the grandmother of a nursery child, gives suggested questions and activities related to each story. There are now plans to develop storysacks to help with other aspects of the children's education, including numeracy. Nursery manager Lynn McNair said, 'We truly value the importance of the link between nursery and home. We work closely with the parents, seeking to support them as they balance the demands of study and home life. This project has been a wonderful way to strengthen these links and has been an exciting opportunity for staff to expose their many skills.'