This year, as I have done in the past, I assigned my students a creative writing assignment. The task was simple – Tom Turkey is trying to hide from Farmer Brown and needs a disguise. Once the students had determined the disguise, I gave them a sheet on which to draw this cleverly hidden turkey. I am always amazed and amused by the creativity our kids display, but this year I saw some new turkey disguises and thought I’d share with you.
One turkey was disguised as “Turkeyana Jones”. This cleverly disguised bird’s outfit was complete with brown leather jacket, hat, a coiled whip in one hand, and a golden idol in the other. It was instantly recognizable and a big hit – I am certain this Tom will be safe from the farmer’s ax.
Next, we had Tina Turkey in a stunningly crafted Dolly Parton costume. This bird had the big hair (I believe it was a wig), unusually high heels, heavy makeup, and very long eyelashes. This bird even had plans to practice singing a song, just in case the Farmer overcame his shyness (big star, you know) and asked for one.
There were so many different disguises this year: a rock, a scarecrow, a pig, a deer, even a bowl of cereal. One turkey was disguised as Abraham Lincoln. There was a bear, a few hippies, one Gothic turkey, a rainbow, and a peacock. The list goes on and on.
I think what impressed me the most is how original and creative the students were. They had a good time, got in a little practice writing descriptively using the writing process, and we were all entertained. There are samples now of our incognito turkeys hanging in the hall, and everyone is enjoying stopping by to see what they are and reading the explanations.
Now, we are all off for Thanksgiving to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. The kids, as they worked, were full of excitement as I heard plans for the holidays. They are all excited about being with family members they have not seen in a while, being out of school a few days, and enjoying the food they will have. This, too, was heartening to see. While in many years past, this type of excitement was generally reserved for Christmas, these kids truly seemed more excited about spending time with their families. Their eyes were sparkling and their excited chatter filled the room as they shared with me and their classmates all they would do with their families, where they would go, and what they would eat.
So, to all of you I wish a very happy Thanksgiving holiday, full of the same type of joy at being with family as I saw in my students.
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 15 years. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
