Draw a large circle with two smaller circles on the top sides onto one side of a flattened cardboard box with a marker. This will be the elephant face and ears. Add eyes, a mouth and a circle where the trunk will fit on the front of the face. Measure the cardboard tube or trace it to create an accurately sized circle. The circle should be slightly bigger than the tube to ensure a snug, yet movable fit.
Paint the face with tempera paints and large brushes. Assign a specific space to each child or ask a small group to all paint at the same time. Set aside to dry.
A responsible adult can cut the elephant face out with the scissors. Remove the circle for the trunk by cutting with scissors.
Have the preschoolers paint the cardboard tube with the tempera paints. Set aside to dry.
Feed two pieces of yarn, one on each side, down the length of the tube. Make sure that the yarn sticks out of the to of the tube at least 6 inches. This will be used to control the moving trunk. Secure the yarn at the top and bottom of the tube with the masking tape.
Push the tube through the hole in the elephant's face. The ends of the yarn should be on the back of the elephant's face.
Use the yarn ends to control the elephant's trunk as it moves.