Cut a 3-inch hole in the center of the paper plate. Glue torn pieces of newspaper onto the bottom of the plate to give it a gray color. (Do not cover the hole in the center of the plate.)
Glue three sheets of newspaper on top of each other and let dry. When dry, cut out two ears for the elephant. Glue or staple the ears to the sides of the plate.
Cut a paper towel in half and twist each piece tightly. Glue the rolled paper towel pieces onto the elephant's face to make tusks.
Draw eyes and a mouth on the elephant's face with a marker.
Put the sock on your child's hand and push it through the hole in the plate to make the elephant's trunk.
