How could Father Christmas possibly prepare all his gifts for the children without his invaluable little helpers — the elves? These cheerful little characters are the stars of every Christmas story and the favourites of children everywhere!
This craft requires a little more scissor skill than some of our other activities, but it remains simple with easy outlines — and it's a wonderful way to learn geometric shapes and colours!
What You'll Need
- Printed template (ready to download below)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or coloured pencils (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Print the template Print the ready-made template — colour or black-and-white, whichever you prefer!
Step 2 — Choose how to make it Your little ones can make their elf whichever way they enjoy most:
- simply colour the ready-made black-and-white colouring sheet
- cut out and glue the colourful pieces
- colour the pieces and glue them together onto white paper
- glue them onto coloured paper for an even more striking result!
Step 3 — Add your own creative touch! For an even more creative result, try using a white paper plate for the head — your little ones can paint it pink! A red pom-pom for the nose, googly eyes, or cotton wool along the white trim of the hat will make your elf even more adorable!
Happy crafting!
Educational Benefits
Recognising geometric shapes and colours: Triangles, circles, rectangles — children learn shapes and colours through the making process in the most natural and enjoyable way.
Fine motor skills: Cutting, gluing and colouring exercise the small muscles of the hands — excellent preparation for writing. The slightly more detailed outlines provide a beneficial next step in skill development!
Creative expression: The many options — simple colouring, cut and glue, or a combination of materials — allow every child to express themselves in their own unique way.
Sensory development: Using a variety of materials — paper, cotton wool, pom-poms, googly eyes — provides a rich sensory experience and encourages exploration.
Imagination and storytelling: The elf opens the door to Christmas stories — what is his name? What presents is he making? A wonderful opportunity for language development and creative storytelling!
