Hungry for Fun: The Easy Hippo Craft
Splash into the riverbanks of the African Savanna with our latest creation! To keep our safari adventure moving, we are making an Easy Hippo Craft. This project is a wonderful way to introduce one of the most powerful animals of the savanna while helping preschoolers master their “one-cut” scissor skills.
By using our standalone template, your child can create a sturdy hippo friend that is ready for imaginative play as soon as the glue dries!
DOWNLOAD THE FREE HIPPO TEMPLATE!
Ready to meet your new river friend? Get your printable hippo here!
By joining our community, you’ll also get weekly craft ideas, science tips, and early literacy secrets to help your child start school ahead of their peers.
Why This Craft is a “Splash” Hit:
Simple Geometry: Identifying the round body and small ears of the hippo helps with basic shape recognition.
Scissor Confidence: The “one-cut” design allows children to see a completed animal quickly, which builds their confidence in using safety scissors.
Habitat Discussion: While the kids color, you can talk about why hippos love to stay in the water to keep their skin cool under the hot savanna sun!
Materials Needed:
Coloring Tools: Purple, grey, or blue crayons or markers.
The Background: (Optional) You can leave it as a standalone toy for play!
Tools: Safety scissors and a big smile.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cut Out the Template:
Start by using your safety scissors to carefully cut out the hippo pieces from the printable sheet. Focus on following the thick black lines!
2. Color Your Hippo:
Now that your hippo pieces are cut out, it’s time to bring them to life! Use your crayons or markers to color the body, head, and legs. Whether it’s a classic grey or a bright purple, make it your own!
3. Glue and Assemble:
Apply a small amount of glue to attach the head and legs to the body. If you have googly eyes, glue those on now to give your hippo some personality!
4. Safari Playtime:
Once the glue is dry, your hippo is ready to go! Since it’s a standalone craft, your child can “swim” their hippo across the room or let it “stomp” through the savanna.
Watch the full tutorial video below:
📸 Our Hippo Habitat!
I love seeing a whole “bloat” of hippos together! (Did you know a group of hippos is called a bloat?) Use this space to show off your students’ creations.
🌞 Final Thoughts
At missannasclass.com, we believe that when children build their own toys, they aren’t just making art—they are building a world of imagination.
Helping Children Thrive Miss Anna’s Class focuses on exciting science and phonics to launch reading, ensuring your child is guaranteed to be ready for school.
👉 Save this idea on Pinterest for your next Savanna lesson!
NICE TO MEET YOU!
I’m AnnaJo Mason, and I love teaching! I used to be a kindergarten teacher, and now I teach pre-kindergarten and sell my accelerated reading course. I love helping parents achieve early literacy success, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Did your child make reading progress? Tag @missannasclassreads (or your social media handle) on Instagram so we can cheer you on!