The Elephants in the Room

There are three different types of elephants: African Savanna, African Forest and Asian. Embark on a class research project to learn more about each type of elephant and what these incredible animals can do. Some topics to explore are: the foods elephants eat, where they live and how they communicate with each other. Be sure to research what makes the three species of elephants
different from each other and the unique features of each species!

Once your students have researched all about elephants, bring them to life right in the classroom. Have each student create an elephant character and name. Make sure that they specify which species of elephant their character is.

Once they’ve created their elephant, let them come up with a backstory for their animal inspired by their research. Some questions to inspire them are:

• What does your elephant like to eat?
• What does your elephant like to do?
• Do they have large or small ears?
• Do they have tusks?

Now, it’s time to get on your feet and embody them! As a class, practice walking like an elephant, thinking about an elephant’s weight, size and mannerisms.

Next, have your students adjust their movements to fit their elephant’s character. Have them mime eating, drinking water and playing in the mud!
Finally, transform your classroom into a watering hole, and have all the students’ elephants interact with each other and exist in their natural habitat.

To support this unit, use the A Stuffy Story with Cuddly Characters Activity.