Expanding Perspectives

McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY Paula Jorde Bloom, Michael W. Louis Chair | March 1, 2006

This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

You’ve probably heard the tale of the six blind men standing around an elephant, each feeling a different part of the animal. One touched the trunk and announced that an elephant was like a snake. Another took hold of the tusk and compared an elephant to a spear. Another felt the leg, declaring that an elephant was like a tree trunk. Still another placed his hands on the side of the elephant and exclaimed that the beast was like a wall. The fifth, holding the elephant’s ear, compared the animal to a large fan. The last blink man took hold of the tail and announced that an elephant was like a rope. … Download this resource to read the rest of this story.


This resource is part of our archived Director’s Link newsletter series.

McCormick Institute for Early Childhood logo in blue on a white and light blue gradient background
By Natalia Ambrozek May 5, 2026
Get the most out of every conference with strategies for planning your schedule, engaging in sessions, and building valuable professional connections.
Show More