Facts about Elephants

Last week, we centered our discussions on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that start with the letter D. Today, we encourage you to engage by sharing something you are thankful for that begins with the letter E. Your contributions can promote a culture of appreciation and reflection.

I'm grateful for Elephants. What are you grateful for that begins with the letter E?

🐘 Giants of the Wild: Exploring the Amazing World of Elephants

They’re the largest land animals on Earth, known for their floppy ears, mighty trunks, and deep family bonds. But elephants are far more than just big and gray. They’re brilliant, emotional, and full of surprises.

🌍 Where Elephants Roam

There are three types of elephants:

• African savanna elephants (the biggest!)
• African forest elephants (smaller and sneakier)
• Asian elephants (with smaller ears and sometimes a twin-domed head)

They live across grasslands, jungles, and rainforests, playing a vital role in shaping their ecosystems. Think of them as nature’s landscapers, clearing paths, spreading seeds, and creating watering holes for other animals.

🧠 Big Brains & Bigger Hearts

Elephants have remarkable memories, and that’s not just a saying. They remember water sources, migration routes, and even long-lost friends. Researchers have found elephants mourn their loved ones, recognize themselves in mirrors, and show empathy. That’s right, these gentle giants are emotionally intelligent.

🎺 The Power of the Trunk

An elephant’s trunk is a super tool:

• It can hold up to 2 gallons of water.
• Works as a snorkel when they swim.
• Can lift logs or gently pluck a single blade of grass.

With over 40,000 muscles, their trunk is more flexible than a gymnast doing yoga on a trampoline.

🎉 Surprise Trunks & Silly Stats

• Elephant toenails? Yep, they have five on the front feet and four on the back.
• The world's smallest elephant species can weigh less than a minivan.
• Elephants “purr” like cats, but at a much lower frequency we humans can’t hear!
• And here’s one for the trivia stash: an elephant can hear another's call from miles away through vibrations in the ground!

There are countless reasons to cultivate gratitude in our lives! Expressing appreciation not only enhances your own well-being but also brings joy to those around you. It’s a practice worth embracing, so make it a point to regularly acknowledge what you’re thankful for!

Next week, we’re thrilled to celebrate all things that begin with the letter F! Join us as we express our gratitude for cozy comforts like fleece blankets and fluffy pillows, as well as fascinating curiosities, from the beauty of vibrant flora to intriguing facts about our world. Let’s come together to appreciate the delightful foods and joyful activities that start with F, creating a warm atmosphere of celebration and gratitude!

Get your elephant worksheet here:

🐘 E Is for Elephant: “Elephant Memory & Kindness Trail”

Let kids explore how elephants are not only the largest land animals, but also some of the most thoughtful, known for their long memory, strong bonds, and gentle hearts.

🎨 What You’ll Need:

• A printable elephant outline or blank paper to draw one
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• A set of memory or kindness prompts (included below)
• Optional: A fun elephant fact sheet or mini gratitude journal

🧠 Activity Part 1: Decorate Your Elephant

1. Kids can color their elephant any way they like; rainbow tusks, spotted ears, and kindness-themed patterns are encouraged!

2. On the elephant’s body, they can write or draw one thing they remember that made them feel loved or grateful.

   Example:

   • “When Grandma made soup while I was sick”
   • “The time my friend shared their snack”
   • “I’m thankful for my cozy blanket”

💛 Activity Part 2: The Kindness Trail

1. Draw 5–7 circles or footprints behind the elephant’s feet to create a “kindness trail.”

2. In each footprint, write or draw one kind thing the child has done or plans to do.

   Ideas include:

   • “Gave a compliment”
   • “Helped clean up toys”
   • “Shared a joke to make someone smile”

3. Title the display: “My Elephant Trail of Gratitude”

🐘 Bonus Bits:

• 🧠 Elephants can remember watering holes and migration paths for decades.
• 👂 Their giant ears help keep them cool and listen for danger far away.
• 💛 Elephants mourn, comfort each other, and even rescue animals in distress!

Return to the Alphabet Hub!