How The Elephant Got Its Trunk
Engage literacy Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Curious Nambo is a clumsy elephant with a short snout who is eager to learn what crocodiles eat for lunch. However, no one is willing to play with him or answer his questions. Frustrated, Hippopotamus tricks Nambo into discovering the answer by himself. Later, when Hippopotamus finds herself stuck in the river, Nambo faces a dilemma about whether to help her or not. This tale creatively explains how the elephant got its long trunk.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the elephant wanted a longer trunk?
How do you think the elephant felt when his trunk changed?
What would you do if you were the elephant and encountered the crocodile?
How did the other animals react to the elephant’s new trunk?
What can we learn from the elephant’s experience about dealing with unexpected changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read the story with your child, pause at key moments to ask what they might predict will happen next. This builds anticipation and engagement.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the elephant, asking questions like, 'How would you feel?' or 'What would you do?' This fosters empathy and understanding.
Discuss the theme of adaptation and change. Ask your child about times they have faced changes and how they adapted, connecting personal experiences with the story.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session more dynamic and enjoyable. This will help keep your child's interest alive throughout the storytelling.
After reading, consider doing a creative activity together like drawing the elephant with its new trunk, which helps reinforce the story and allows for a creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In the story, the young elephant's curiosity about the world leads him to explore and eventually discover how he gets his long trunk.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing challenges during his adventure, the young elephant persists and learns important lessons, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, important skills in school and life.
Example Lesson: Wisdom Through Experience
Explanation: The story highlights how personal experiences contribute to the elephant’s growth and understanding of his environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to learn from their own experiences and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The elephant's unique trunk sets him apart, yet it becomes a strength, teaching about acceptance and embracing individual differences.
Real-World Application: Promotes appreciation of diversity and understanding that being different is valuable and can be a strength.