elf hat and ears

Every Christmas needs some elf ears.

At least in we do in my kindergarten class.

This year we "elf"ed ourselves - with elf hats.

9 x 12" construction paper was cut down to 9 x 10".

The extra strip was put out to be used for trim for the bottom of the hat - or anything else the elves dreamed up.

The remaining rectangle was cut into a elf hat triangle.

The "waste" triangles from the sides were not wasted.

I cut a 2" square from each to be used as a pom pom on top - or anything else the elves dreamed up.

And I put out the remaining bits and pieces to see how the elves would create.

Ears. I drew some elf ears. Pretty proud of my ears, since I am no artist. You can download and print your own elf ears.

The ears were cut out - and were supposed to be glued on near the base of the hat. Some elf ears tended to migrate north. Oh well.

There were no requirements, or criteria (other than 2 opposite ears, not 2 for the same side) - just that the kids communicate with their inner elf, and decide what their hat should look like.

I am so glad that I did that rather than insisting that everyone choose a pom pom for the top and a zig zag strip for the base of the hat.

Because I think our elf hats reflect the little elves' style and creativity.

And for elf hats, creativity beats criteria -- hands down!

The hats were stapled onto a strip of heavier paper/light cardboard that would go around the children's heads.