Hippo Writing Craft and Activity

This simple craft can be used with any hippo themed fiction or non-fiction book.

Directions:
Trace the template on grey or purple construction paper and cut out. Attach the mouth flap to the full head using tape, glue, or staples to create the mouth opening effect. Lined paper can also be added inside the mouth to guide writing. For a simpler version, copy the template on regular white copy paper and distribute to students. They can then put it together and color it on their own (after finishing the writing activity). I use this with the book Elmer and Hippos, focusing on problem and solution (problem is written on the outside, solution is written on the inside).