Dr. Seuss’s sweet elephant Horton is always faithfully looking out for those around him. Encourage your kindergartener to get to know this beloved children's literature character in celebration of Read Across America Day by fashioning her own pair of Horton-like elephant ears and nose! They're great for pretend play and are sure to spark your child's interest in reading.
What You Need:
- Paper towel tube
- White paper
- Glue
- String or ribbon
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Paper plate
- Black marker
- Headband that fits your child's head
- Tape
What You Do:
- Start by making an elephant nose. Have your child create two long slits in the paper towel tube as though to divide it into thirds, but make sure she doesn't cut all the way through. The slits will help make the roll bendable.
- Have her cover the paper towel tube with the white paper, making sure to put slits in the paper over the slits in the roll.
- Punch two holes, one across from the other, on one end of the paper towel tube.
- Cut 2 strands of ribbon about 2 feet in length and tie one strand to each hole.
- Now make the elephant ears. Have your child cut the paper plate in half. Help her round out the corners and cut edge of the plate halves with scissors to make them look more like elephant ears (see photo above).
- Have your child place the paper plate ears in front of her so the ridged, curved parts are facing each other. To attach the ears to the headband, add a little glue on the backside of the ears and press them to either side of the headband.
- Let the glue dry.
- Once the glue on your headband is dry, have your child use a black marker to add detailing to the ears and nose. Look at Horton’s illustration in Horton Hears a Who!For inspiration.
- Help your child put on her elephant ears and nose, then try reciting some of Horton’s lines!
Related learning resources
Connect the Dots to Horton!
Worksheet
Connect the Dots to Horton!
Practise counting with this fun connect-the-dots, inspired by Dr. Seuss's classic children's book Horton Hears a Who.
Year one
Maths
Worksheet
Colour the Elephant Family
Worksheet
Colour the Elephant Family
This coloring page features two elephants, an elephant mom and an elephant baby who has a long way to grow!
Year one
Worksheet
How to Make Easter Bunny Ears
Activity
How to Make Easter Bunny Ears
This year, welcome everyone's favorite Easter mascot by helping your kindergartener create her own unique set of rabbit ears!
Year one
Arts & crafts
Activity
Elephant Coloring Page
Worksheet
Elephant Coloring Page
This elephant coloring page features one of these huge and intelligent creatures. Celebrate the majestic African elephant by adding colour!
Year 2
Worksheet
How Many Ears?
Worksheet
How Many Ears?
Kids must identify patterns and determine the number of ears in the groups of cows, sheep, horses, and pigs at the farm.
Year one
Maths
Worksheet
Birthday Elephant
Worksheet
Birthday Elephant
This party coloring sheet features a birthday elephant with a special birthday gift. Animal-lovers will have a great time giving colour to this cute scene.
Kindergarten
Worksheet
Elephant with Balloons
Worksheet
Elephant with Balloons
This cute birthday elephant with balloons is sure to bring a smile to any child's face. Break out the crayons and let's colour!
Kindergarten
Worksheet
Elephant Dot to Dot
Worksheet
Elephant Dot to Dot
Your child can complete this elephant dot to dot by connecting the dots in numerical order. Then, she can enjoy coloring the elephant her favorite colors.
Year one
Worksheet
Elephant Birthday Card
Worksheet
Elephant Birthday Card
Wish friends and loved ones a happy birthday with this adorable elephant greeting card your child can colour himself!
Year one
Arts & crafts
Worksheet
Animal Science: Elephant Anatomy
Worksheet
Animal Science: Elephant Anatomy
Invite your kindergartener to fill out this elephant chart--testing her knowledge of an elephant's parts.
Year one
Science
Worksheet
Pig Noses
Activity
Pig Noses
In this easy and fun animal craft, make a cute pig nose using recycled egg cartons!
Year one
Arts & crafts
Activity
Elephant Family Coloring Page
Worksheet
Elephant Family Coloring Page
This coloring page features an adorable baby elephant going on a stroll with his mom.
Kindergarten
Worksheet