Seeing pink elephants... and red... and blue... and purple...

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham was over run with elephants recently as the Reception and Year 1 classes celebrated their first “Elmer Day”, in honour of the multi-coloured elephant, a much-loved children’s character created by author David McKee.

The children had spent the term focussing on the Elmer theme for their literacy topic. “Elmer is a very special elephant and it’s a great way to introduce Foundation Stage themes such as friendships, our similarities and differences and special people,” explained Ellie Holdsworth, Reception and Year 1 Teacher, “The children have been reading about Elmer’s adventures and creating new ones for him in their own words, bringing the patchwork theme in to their art work. With parent helpers, the children have made two beautiful displays – a quilted Elmer and patchwork Elmer made from woven paper.”

To help them enjoy the day, the children were encouraged to come to school dressed in brightly coloured clothing and many parents had risen to the challenge, sending their children in patchwork outfits, just like the storybook hero. Face painting, jungle games and elephant parades were the order of the day as well as an opportunity to encourage healthy eating.

“The highlight of the day was the jungle picnic,” said Jenny Courtney, Reception and Year 1 Teacher, “The children had a picnic of fruit and vegetables and many got to try exotic fruits such as passion fruit, watermelon and pineapple for the first time. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and discovered that snacks can be healthy and fun!”