Elmer Elephant Craft

“Elmer” by David McKee is a heartwarming book about a very special elephant. If you have never read it before, you are missing out. Elmer is different from other elephants. He is covered in patchwork. And at first all he feels is different, but by the end of the book he realizes that he is so much more. He is unique and special. When making this Elmer elephant craft, pair it with the book for overall fabulous Elmer the elephant preschool activities.

Save this Elmer Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

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SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Brown paper lunch bag
• Newspaper
• Stapler with staples
• Washi tape (several colors)
• Scissors
• Construction paper (colors of your choice)
• 2 Large googly eyes (self-adhesive work best)
• Glue stick
• Black Sharpie marker
• Printable Elmer Elephant Template

In case you are new around here, let me fill you in. We do things a little differently around here. To make crafting with your kids actually do-able (because I know you are busy, but you are here. So, you must realize how beneficial it can be to craft with your kids).

We remove some of the obstacles to creating together by sticking to a finite master list of craft supplies. They are all basic, inexpensive, versatile and fit into one bag. It’s like having a capsule wardrobe to choose from. They don’t take up much space, but when you mix and match just these few items there are hundreds (or even thousands) of options.

Step 1: Create the Elephant’s Head

• Crumple up a piece of newspaper and put it in the paper lunch bag.
• Fold the top of the paper bag down about 3 times.
• Secure the fold flatly on the top of the bag with a staple on each side. This is the head of your Elmer elephant craft.

Step 2: Add Elmer’s Patches

• Choose a variety of colored washi tape.
• Tear pieces of washi tape and cover the entire front, sides and top of the paper lunch bag.

*It is perfectly okay to leave gaps and to use a color more than once. Just place the pieces randomly.

Even if little ones can’t cut out the parts of the Elmer Elephant, they will be able to do this step. And the tearing and placing of the washi tape is great for both fine motor coordination and bilateral coordination (working the hands together). Encourage your child to tear the tape using a “pinch” of the tape. Plus, the story of Elmer is a wonderful way to teach social skills. It’s truly one of my favorites. This is a great craft for preschoolers to work on all of these essential developmental skills.

Step 3: Cut Out the Elephant Parts

* For this step, there is a printable template that you can use or you can draw the parts of the elephant craft free-hand.

• Print the Elmer Elephant template and cut out the pieces. Trace each of the elephant parts onto construction paper using colors of your choice.
• Then cut out the ears, trunk and hair tuft.

Step 4: More Patches for Elmer

• As a finishing touch, add a couple of washi tape “patches” to the elephant parts.
• Use scissors to trim away the excess.
• Finally, use a pencil or marker to gently curl the elephant ears and trunk.

Step 5: Put Elmer Elephant Together

• Fold a flap on each of the ears, trunk and tuft of hair to give them a place to be attached to your Elmer elephant craft.
• Use the glue stick to attach each of the elephant parts. *You will have to hold each for a minute to be sure that it is attached securely.
• Last, place the Elephant’s large googly eyes.
• If there are other details that you would like to add, use the black Sharpie marker.

Elmer Elephant activities are just the best, a craft, story and lesson all in one. Not to mention he is adorable and fun! I love this Youtube reading of “Elmer” by the author himself. Really, I love all elephant crafts, but Elmer crafts take it up a notch. All of that beautiful color and scope for imagination! He is simply adorable. What’s not to love?

Happy Crafting!

-Joy

Check out this full video tutorial for the Elmer Elephant craft…

Save this Elmer Elephant Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…