Calling all Elephant Lovers which includes me September 22nd was Elephant Appreciation Day #ElephantAppreciationDay. That means David and Charlie should adopt a baby #elephant for me I can bring home with me. Shhh,
I know my Elephant will get huge, but all Elephants starts out as a baby. When my Elephants gets too big to keep at home, I can donate my Elephant to the Zoo. Then I can still see him. Would you want your own Elephant?
Elephant Appreciation Day is a great time to give these majestic and beautiful creatures the respect they deserve. Did you know Elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth, so it’s only right that they have a day completely dedicated to them?
Sadly, humans are increasingly placing the Elephant’s future at risk. So, whether you’re a lifelong Elephant lover or not, take time on September 22 to learn about these amazing Pachyderms and let’s work on saving Elephants.
How to Observe Elephant Appreciation Day
Visit elephants in the Zoo and if you’re lucky, you might get to watch the Elephants during feeding time or have the opportunity to ask about what life is like for Zoo Elephants.
Today is the perfect day to create Arts & Crafts around Elephants. Let’s visit our nearest craft store, and we’ll be well on our way to creating adorable masks, handprint art, and even cute T-shirts.
Make it a point to grab a book that will help you brush up on your Elephant trivia.
Why Elephant Appreciation Day is Important
- Elephants are endangered and hunting has severely reduced the number of Elephants left in the world. Thankfully, organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Elephant Foundation are working hard to protect African and Asian elephants.
- Elephants are emotional just pay attention to an Elephant for a little while, and it’ll be easy to feel connected. Did you know Elephants are able to display fear, joy, excitement, and even grief? Elephants are also very social, meaning they’re more like humans than you may have realized.
- Elephant “respect” comes through age and wisdom — not aggression. Many Elephants follow around the oldest female because she knows where Food is.
Here’s a fun and educational homeschool lesson plan to celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22! 🐘 This Elephant Lesson Plan is designed for elementary to middle school learners and can be adapted for different ages.
Elephant Appreciation Day Homeschool Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives
- Understand the biology, behavior, and conservation status of elephants.
- Explore the cultural significance of elephants around the world.
- Practice math, reading, and creative writing skills through elephant-themed activities.
Subject Integration
1. Science: Elephant Anatomy & Behavior
- Activity: Label parts of an elephant (trunk, tusks, ears, etc.) using a diagram.
- Discussion: Compare African vs. Asian elephants.
- Video: Watch a documentary clip about elephant herds and communication.
2. Geography: Elephant Habitats
- Activity: Map where elephants live (Africa, Asia).
- Extension: Discuss threats to elephant habitats like deforestation and poaching.
3. Reading & Literacy
- Book Suggestions:
- “The Elephant Scientist” by Caitlin O’Connell
- “Elephants Cannot Dance!” by Mo Willems (for younger kids)
- Activity: Read a short story and write a summary or draw a scene.
4. Math: Elephant Stats
- Activity: Solve math problems using elephant facts.
- Example: If an elephant eats 300 lbs of food a day, how much in a week?
- Graphing: Create a bar graph comparing elephant sizes, tusk lengths, or populations.
5. Art & Creativity
- Craft: Make elephant masks or origami elephants.
- Drawing Prompt: “Design your own elephant species—what makes it unique?”
6. Social Studies: Conservation & Ethics
- Discussion: What does it mean to protect endangered species?
- Activity: Write a letter to a wildlife organization or create a poster advocating for elephant conservation.
Bonus Activities
- Elephant Memory Game: Create cards with elephant facts and play a matching game.
- Elephant Walk Challenge: Try walking like an elephant—great for kinesthetic learners!
- #ElephantAppreciationDay Social Share: Post your favorite elephant fact or artwork online with the hashtag.
Would you like me to tailor this for a specific age group or add printable worksheets? I’d be happy to help you build out a full day’s curriculum!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
