A turkey word wall can help young children explain what they observe in a photograph or nonfiction book. Introduce a few accurate words at a time and keep the cards near the place children will need them.
At a glance
Use the cards to name body parts, sequence growth, and label one drawing.
1. Start with a clear picture
Look at a turkey photograph together. Point to the beak, wings, and tail as you introduce the corresponding cards.
2. Sort words by what they describe
Make small groups for body parts, growth, and food. Ask children which group fits a new picture and have them point to a clue.
3. Show a growth sequence
Put egg, chick, and adult in order. Have children show or explain one change between two pictures.
4. Move the words to the writing table
Provide a personal picture list for labeling. Let children point, copy a word, or dictate a sentence about a detail they noticed.
5. Review with a new photograph
Ask children to find one body part or growth stage in a different photo. Give a clue if the angle or color is different.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Theo points to the tail and calls it a wing. His teacher compares two photos and shows where the wing attaches. Theo uses both words to label a drawing.
Companion printable
The 32-page PDF contains 25 illustrated labels, three personal word lists, nine activity pages, and a teacher check page.
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