The Slightly Annoying Elephant

What the Story is About

Sam visits a zoo and fills out an "Adopt an Elephant" form—without reading the fine print. The next thing he knows, a *real* elephant shows up at his door, suitcase in the trunk, ready to move in. This elephant is not just big; he's also demanding, opinionated, and… a bit annoying.

As the elephant takes over Sam's home—breaking furniture, hogging the bathroom, and bossing everyone around—Sam learns that actions have consequences. Especially when you sign something without really understanding it.

Behind all the silliness, there's a tender question: What does taking responsibility for a promise mean? And how do we handle people (or elephants) who push our patience?

Why This Book Matters

Children often make quick decisions or say yes to things without thinking them through. This book offers a funny but meaningful opportunity to talk about:

• The importance of consent and clear communication

• What it means to honour commitments

• How to set and respect boundaries

• The value of being assertive

• The link between choices and consequences

• And that it's okay to feel annoyed—but it matters how we respond

The humour softens these lessons and makes them more approachable, especially for younger children.

Let's Talk About It

• For Ages 6–8

  • Why did Sam think adopting an elephant was just a pretend thing?

  • How did Sam feel when the elephant showed up?

  • What would *you* do if someone started using your things without asking?

  • Can you think of a time you agreed to something and later realized you didn't like it?

• For Ages 9–10

  • What does this story teach us about reading carefully and understanding choices?

  • Do you think the elephant was *really* annoying or just had different needs?

  • How can we tell someone their behaviour bothers us without hurting their feelings?

  • What are some fair ways to share space at home or in the classroom?

Deeper Reflections for the Teacher

Boundaries can be tested in funny ways

The elephant isn't "bad." He just doesn't understand personal space. That can mirror many real-life peer interactions. Children may learn to assert themselves with kindness.

What does being assertive mean?

 Children often swing between staying silent or reacting loudly when something bothers them. But there's a third way—*assertion*. It means being able to say what you need clearly, firmly, and respectfully. For example: "I don't like it when you take my pencil without asking. Please check with me first." Helping children develop this voice—especially those who tend to stay quiet—can be a powerful life skill.

Introducing the idea of consequences

This book offers a playful way to talk about consequences. Sam thought adopting an elephant was just pretend. But when the elephant actually showed up at his door, Sam had to deal with the result of his choice.

You could explain to children

"A consequence happens because of something we did. If you forget to water a plant, it may dry up. If you say something kind, it can make someone smile. Consequences can be helpful or unhelpful—but they are always a part of our choices."

Linking consequences with self-regulation

One of the deeper SEL threads in this story is about pausing before we act. If Sam had paused to think about what it means to "adopt" an elephant, his story might have been very different! That pause—between thinking and doing—is a big part of self-regulation.

You might explain it to children like this: "Self-regulation is like being your own guide. It's when you take a moment to notice how you feel and choose what to do next instead of just reacting right away."

When children learn to do this, they become more aware of consequences—not in a fearful way, but in an empowered way. They begin to ask: "What might happen if I do this?"

Making room for empathy

It’s possible that the elephant is just… lonely. That opens the door to discussing why people might act in annoying ways—what's beneath that behaviour?

Humour as a social tool 

This book is also an invitation to help children learn how to use humour in a healthy way—laughing with, not at. It also teaches children to notice when humour is used to cover discomfort or when someone might be feeling overwhelmed underneath their "funny" face.

Activities to Explore Further

1. Role Play – "You're In My Space!"

Children act out scenarios in which one person takes over another's space (e.g., sitting too close, borrowing a pencil without asking). Then, they discuss what they could say or do.

2. Consent Charades

Create small cards with situations (e.g., "Can I borrow your toy?" or "Can I sit next to you?"). One child asks, and the other says yes or no. Reinforce that "no" is a valid answer and that listening is just as important as asking.

3. What Did I Just Sign? (with Self-Regulation Pause)

Create silly adoption forms with funny fine print for dragons, monkeys, etc.. Children quickly sign, and then you reveal the terms. Laugh together. Then ask:

• "Did you notice how quickly you signed it?"

• "What would you do differently if you had read everything?"

Now add a self-regulation moment:

• Ask them to close their eyes and think of a time they acted quickly without thinking.

• Ask, "How did you feel then?" "What might you do differently next time?"

Explain: "That little pause we just practiced? That's called self-regulation. It helps us make better choices. And over time, it becomes our superpower."

4. Elephant Footprint Journal

Draw giant elephant feet and ask children to write or draw inside them:

• One thing I agreed to but didn't really understand

• A time I felt annoyed but didn't know what to say

• One way to ask for space kindly

Teacher Tip

When reading the book aloud, exaggerate the elephant's voice and demands. Laughter helps children open up. After the giggles, gently ask—"What would you do if someone acted like this with you?” Children often arrive at thoughtful, sensitive answers when eased into it.