Crafts: Make an Elmer the Elephant headdress

One of our lockdown highlights has been enjoying the fabulous Crafty Tales online sessions with Storycraft Theatre.

The York-based storytelling duo run 50 minute classes for two-to-five year olds, which incorporate a simple book-themed craft followed by a fun, interactive telling of the same story with some sneaky educational bits throw in.

One of our favourite sessions so far has been based on the classic
David McKee character Elmer – and we wanted to share the colourful craft with you.

Thank you to Cassie and Janet from Storycraft for letting us steal their brilliant make – and here’s how to do it…

YOU WILL NEED:
3 pieces of A4 coloured card, in different colours
Scissors
Glue, sellotape or a stapler (or all three for added security!)
A pencil

WHAT TO DO:

1 Choose the colour card you would like for the headband and fold it down the middle lengthways. Cut along the fold, then fold one piece lengthways again and cut that.

2 Take the two strips and stick them together to make the headband, so that is comfortably fits your child’s head.

3 Choose the colour card you would like for the ears. Fold it in half widthways. With the fold on the left, draw a large number three, leaving space for a little cardboard flap.

4 Cut out your ears so that you have two pieces. Then stick them to the sides of your headband.

5 Take the final piece of card. Fold it lengthways like in step 1, cut and do the same again.

6 Stick the pieces together at one end to make your long trunk. Then fold it like a concertina with quite wide folds.

7 Stick one end of the concertina to the headband, folding it over the top edge and sticking it to the back.

8 And your Elmer headdress is ready to wear!

To book Crafty Tales sessions, visit storycrafttheatre.co.uk. You can also find lots of free craft ideas on their Instagram page

You may also like…

What we’re reading: Elmer by David McKee

Shows: Elmer on stage

Activities: 10 of the best book-themed download sheets for kids