This is one of my student’s favorite Christmas drawing ideas, and I think it’s because it’s a new point of view for them, and offers all kinds of color and pattern possibilities.

The one issue that I have been meaning to address with this project is the drawing of the elf feet. I first did this with older students (grade 3 – 5) who would often get stuck in drawing the second symmetrical foot. I believe it’s because of all the curves, which are in general hard shapes for kids to draw, let alone trying to match a flipped version. My conclusion was to include a template and turn this into a cutting and flip drawing project. It still illustrates the idea of symmetry and now younger students, like first graders, could do it too.

DIRECTIONS

PREP: Print Elf Shoe template and cut out one per student.
Students fold their drawing paper in half vertically to help center the two legs.
The elf shoe is cut out.
Students trace a right and left shoe, centered, on the bottom of the paper. Small balls (bells!) may be added to the tip of each shoe.
The legs are drawn up and the bottom of the a shirt may be added.
All pencil lines are traced with a black marker.
Students design and fill in the clothes, stockings and shoes of their elf with markers.

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