START WITH ART: Hippopotamus ("William")

We START WITH ART each morning with our kids (Jenna's kids are 6 and 10, Janet's is 9). This takes us less than five minutes each morning and tends to be re-visited later in the day at the dinner table or during our evening reading sessions. We find this little exercise each morning ignites creativity and sparks critical thinking. 

Here's how to #STARTWITHART:

Step one: Take a look at the artwork below

Step two: Read the questions below the picture of the art to the students/children in your life

Step three: See how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking! 

It's that easy! Let's START WITH ART!

Title: Hippopotamus ("William")

Date: ca. 1961–1878 B.C., Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12

Medium: Faience

Dimensions: L. 20 cm; W. 7.5 cm; H. 11.2 cm

Start with Art Questions: 

• The ancient Egyptians often created statues with symbolic meanings. What do you think hippos represented to them, and why might they have made a statue like William?
• Do you see the designs on William the hippopotamus? Why do you think these designs were included? 
• Use your imagination! If William the Hippopotamus could come to life, what kind of personality might he have? What adventures or activities do you think he would enjoy?

Add our START WITH ART calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add." Share how you're folding this into your daily routine by tagging us on Instagram @pageofarthistory and/or the tag #startwithart 🖼️