Elephants are my Mums’ favourite animal. She once ordered an elephant ornament off EBay and was so excited about it being such a bargain, only to find out, on its’ arrival, that it was an inch tall.

Well, now she can make her very own pint-sized (or rather four-litre sized) elephant by making one from a milk bottle.

https://theimaginationtree.com/milk-jug-elmer-elephant-craft/

This is a brilliant website that has all sorts of craft ideas on. Here’s one we made earlier:

The first time I was introduced to this, I was working as an after-school nanny and was helping out at my nanny child’s Brownies. Since then, I’ve made them with over 100 children in schools and homes.

By delving into the world of elephants, it opens the door to many aspects of learning, such as safari, zoo and circus.

Being a travel nanny, I sure do get to do some amazing things. This was on Safari last April.

This photo has inspired my children’s picture book “I did not know Elephants had eyelashes” packed full of facts. I am currently looking for representation from the right Literary Agent.

Make other 3D animals and hide them around the house or garden, and go on a safari. Don’t forget to whisper so you don’t frighten the animals away!

Also in the garden, make your own little circus; dance with scarves, put on a skipping show, or lie your skipping rope down and practice balancing.

Also, the new Disney’s Dumbo has been out for several weeks in England. But the cartoon version is such a classic. (In other news, I love the train song in that movie, but I’ll save that for another blog)

I haven’t seen it but my Nanny Kid, G5, said it was very sad!

More to books…

There is, of course, the beloved ‘Elmer’ by David McKee. And I was brought up with the Large Family with ‘five minutes peace’, ‘all in one piece’ and ‘Mr Large in charge’ by Jill Murphy, but I want to shed light on some other elephant books.

I think we can use story books as a ‘hook’ to get children excited about a topic.

There are several books of African Folklore that we have bought in Cape Town. I actually really love them all (and there is totally another blog post about those) but this one is just about how the elephant got its trunk. It’s funny and G2 loves it! On more research, there are actually many versions of this retold my many authors. Go check them out!

Here are some library finds.

Books can help you with the normal day to day routine, such as bathtime.

It’s a fun game with your children to go to the library and find as many books on one topic. Check the non- fiction and fiction sections and see what you find!!! Take turns in picking the topic. I’ve found some wonderful books by accident this way!

What other elephant books do you love?

What did you think of the new Disney Dumbo movie?

Show us your milk bottle elephants…

love Kat x