Our elf has found a Christmas tree that stretches. Its branches are elastic bands, and its trunk is a little bit of paper. 🎄
The “Stretch a tree” note invites the children to try his unusual decoration method.
This easy elf idea uses a clear geoboard for a simple shape challenge. One triangle is enough to make a recognisable little tree.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- Learning Resources clear geoboard with coloured bands (paid link)
- A brown paper trunk and a small yellow star
- A folded cloth to support your elf
- Paper and a pen
Setup:
Lay the geoboard flat on a table. Pick three pegs that make a tall triangle: one for the top of the tree and two farther apart below it. With an adult, loop a suitable elastic band around those pegs so it forms the triangle, using a second green band if you want a stronger outline. Keep the bands comfortably stretched rather than pulling them as far as they will go. Lay a little brown paper trunk beneath the base and a yellow star above the top. Sit your elf beside the board against a rolled cloth and add the note. In the morning, the children can copy his triangle in another part of the grid, then try making a shorter, wider tree. This clear Learning Resources board comes with coloured bands; the paper star and trunk are homemade additions. The activity is about making shapes, so there is no need to fill every peg with decorations.
Make it cheaply:
Use a geoboard you already have. Without one, draw three large dots on scrap paper and join them with green pencil lines to make the same triangle. The children can draw a whole forest of different shapes. This paper version offers the shape challenge without needing stretched bands or making a board with nails.
Try the Christmas paper weaving or the hand-made Christmas tree for another elf scene.
