It’s true! This Elmer the Elephant sticker activity helps toddlers strengthen small hand muscles as I get to empty the dishwasher. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Now, the dishwasher is not as exciting as a trip to Target. – But it must be done without someone asking me for a snack. – I know you know.
We all know entertaining our two-year-old isn’t easy, and you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got lots of ideas like this one here.
Simple ideas; lots of learning
Don’t let the simplicity of the Elephant sticker activity fool you—it is packed with a powerful punch. The best preschool ideas are the simple ones where three and four-year-olds are in charge of their learning.
Did you know retelling a story is as important as reading the story? – It’s true!
Children entering Kindergarten will begin to retell familiar stories, including key details, ask and answer questions about key details in a text, and identify characters, settings, and significant events in a story.
Master now? No, thank you. But with simple retelling activities such as this one, we are getting ready!
RELATED: Check out our entire collection of story activities here!
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
Read Elmer first
Read the story to your preschooler more than once. Remember that this does not mean you must do this back-to-back with the activity.
You can read the book a couple of nights at bedtime, then follow up when you need a minute to yourself the following week. The trick is that your child becomes familiar with the story.
And believe me, young children will instantly hook them. The story is whimsical and has a solid message of inclusion. Your child (and you) will love this book.
RELATED: I hand-picked these fine motor toys to encourage daily fine motor development.
Let’s get set up!
After reading Elmer the Elephant comes the quick and easy setup. I like to set activities like this up at night so my child has something to come down to and begins the day with play. I call these morning activities Breakfast Invitations.
- First, I tape down my white paper roll.
- Next, draw a giant elephant.
- Chat about what your child remembers about the book Elmer the Elephant.
- Invite your child to create their elephant pattern on the sketch using stickers.
Supplies
Stickers (and painter’s tape) are supplies I always keep on hand. They are like moths to a flame.
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Elmer the Elephant
This is one of my favorite books to read with preschoolers.
White Paper Roll
Use this paper roll with almost all activities at Days with Grey.
Sticker Pad
This is a terrific collection of stickers that can be used for free play or fine motor activities.
What is my child learning?
I am so happy you asked! Sticker activities encourage the movement of small hand muscles, and process art encourages the opportunity to take the lead in creativity.
Cleanup is a breeze. When you are finished, find a place to hang Elmer for a few days. Then, use the back for a free draw or create another pattern when ready to take him down.
Another idea is to offer your child scissors to practice tracing lines, holding a steady hand, and cutting. This article includes everything you need to know about helping your child cut.
RELATED: Read this post about fine motor development and how it helps pencil grip.
When will you set up this Elmer the Elephant sticker activity? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
