HIPPO 2026 Preliminary

Here are the results of this year's Contest which took place on 22 March in Đura Jakšić Primary School:

• HIPPO Little:
  
  Stefan Zekonja II3 (Reading: 30/30, Use of English: 27/30 = 57/60), national finalist

• HIPPO 2:
  
  Nađa Mandić VI1 (Reading: 34/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 62.5/64), national finalist,
  Jovan Ćoškov VI3 (Reading: 33/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 61.5/64), national finalist,
  Mila Petrović VI1 (Reading: 34/34, Use of English: 27/30 = 61/64), national finalist,
  Anastasija Đomparin VI3 (Reading: 32/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 60.5/64),
  Vukašin Mrkelja VI3 (Reading: 32/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 60.5/64),
  Nina Stijelja VI2 (Reading: 33/34, Use of English: 27/30 = 60/64),
  Dunja Barna VI 3 (Reading: 32/34, Use of English: 27/30 = 59/64),
  Anđela Mijandžić (Reading: 30/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 58.5/64)

• HIPPO 3:
  
  Nikola Tomić VIII2 (Reading: 34/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 62.5/64 points), national finalist,
  Luka Baba VIII2 (Reading: 34/34, Use of English: 27/30 = 61/64 points), national finalist,
  Nataša Đurin VIII2 (Reading: 32/34, Use of English: 28.5/30 = 60.5/64 points).

Easter 2026

In our Easter lesson, Class 1 pupils talked about their own traditions, watched a short video about the Egg Hunt, and coloured the page in their books while singing a catchy Easter song.

Class 2 pupils shared their favourite Easter activities, followed my example on the board—drawing a big egg, colouring it red, and making a mind map. They added a chick, a bunny, chocolate, a basket, and hot cross buns. Afterwards, I taught them the Hot Cross Buns song and showed them the actions, which they repeated in pairs. Even after the lesson ended, you could still hear them singing Hot Cross Buns with smiles on their faces.

My older pupils enjoyed singing the same songs and playing the Easter online board game.

Our Animals

My Class 1 pupils used their colourful playdough to make their favourite animals. Soon, we recognised pets, insects, forest, jungle and other creatures in various shapes and sizes. 

With one group, we watched an animated version of Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and then recorded their own version.

With another group, we practised can for ability in a playful way.

Do you like?

This catchy song is another favourite in Class 1. It is perfect for practising food vocabulary and simple questions. My youngest pupils always enjoy it. This time, they made it their own by adding new foods and answers. 

They used playdough to make the food, which made the activity even more fun and creative.

Soon we had watermelons, lemons, spaghetti, muffins, cookie pizza, and lots of “Yes, I do!” and “No, I don’t! Yukky!” echoing around the classroom:

 

 

Tommy's in the Kitchen

This song is another favourite with my younger pupils. It’s great for revising food vocabulary in a fun way. The rhythm is easy and the funny food combinations always make the children laugh.

Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!
Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!

I've got an apple in my sandwich.
I've got milk on my peas.
I've got juice on my sausage.
Help! Oh, help me, please!

Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!
Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!

I've got carrots on my pizza.
And a banana on my cheese.
I've got chicken with my cake.
Help! Oh, help me, please!

Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!
Tommy's in the kitchen,
Come and take him out!

HIPPO 2026

 This year, three groups of my pupils—12 in total—joined the preliminary round of the Hippo Contest. For some it was a familiar challenge, while for others it was their very first time. All agreed the tests felt easy, so we’re hopeful for good news in the weeks ahead. 

The local round took place on 22 March at Đura Jakšić Primary School.

Toy Shop

My Class 2 pupils had great fun chanting about toys. 

This lively chant is a wonderful way for them to practise toy vocabulary while enjoying rhythm and repetition.

Toy shop, toy shop,

Let's go to the toy shop.

Look!

A doll, a car, a bike, oh yes,

A go-kart and a train,

A ball, a computer game,

A monster and a plane.

Yes.

And there's a kite!

That's right!