Elephant Beach: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a trail of giant elephant footprints leading to a 'beach' reading nook.

Instructions:

1. Go outside to a safe pavement area or use paper inside.

2. Draw large oval elephant footprints in a trail leading to a cozy spot.

3. Place a beach towel at the end of the trail to represent the beach.

4. Walk along the path like a heavy elephant until you reach the towel for story time.

You will need:

• Sidewalk chalk

• Beach towel

Play a game of ring toss inspired by elephant trunks and beach fun.

Instructions:

1. Set up the ring toss pegs in the backyard or living room.

2. Optionally wrap the pegs in grey cardboard to look like elephant trunks.

3. Take turns tossing rings onto the 'trunks'.

4. Cheer like a happy beach elephant every time someone makes a point.

You will need:

• Plastic ring toss set

• Grey cardboard

Bring the beach home with a sensory bin featuring elephants and 'waves'.

Instructions:

1. Fill one side of the bin with play sand and the other side with blue pebbles to represent the ocean.

2. Add small elephant figurines to the sand.

3. Let the child move the elephants through the 'water' and 'sand'.

4. Encourage them to retell parts of the book as they play.

You will need:

• Plastic storage bin

• Blue glass pebbles

• Play sand

Decorate miniature surfboards for your elephant friends.

Instructions:

1. Lay out the wooden surfboard shapes on a protected surface (could also use cardboard).

2. Use bright paints to create patterns that elephants would love.

3. Once dry, use them as props while reading the book again.

4. Display the finished surfboards in the child's room as a reminder of the story.

You will need:

• Unfinished wood surfboard cutouts

• Acrylic paint set

A relaxing movement activity focused on the 'gentle' nature of elephants.

Instructions:

1. Lay out yoga mats in a quiet space.

2. Practice 'Elephant Breath' by interlocking fingers and raising arms like a trunk while breathing in.

3. Perform slow, heavy steps in place to mimic a giant walking.

4. End with a 'quiet reading' pose, lying flat on the mat like the girl on her beach towel.

5. Repeat or add in a few more yoga poses

You will need:

• Kids yoga mat