Sticky paper turkey dress-up and patterning

Are you looking for a hands-on way to explore patterning in the classroom? Give colored feathers a try!

We have been on a turkey investigation in our classroom recently and part of our fun included dressing up our sticky paper turkey…

Our poor turkey didn’t look so good standing up there without any clothes on so my students spent a little  time throughout the afternoon giving him some warm feathers to wear…

Patterning with Feathers

Before the children helped out our naked turkey, they each were given a baggie of feathers (two different colors) to make feather patterns…

Collaborating with Peers

Some of the children worked alone to make their patterns and some of the children combined their feathers with their neighbor and worked together on making a pattern…

To continue with our patterning exercise, I invited the children to make a pattern with their feathers on our turkey as well…

Embracing the Process

Some of my students were interested in adding their feathers in the form of a pattern but others preferred to just add the feathers where ever they found a spot.  As the feathers began to fill up the board, the idea of making a pattern was kind of lost in the process…

 It didn’t take long before our turkey looked much happier all dressed up in his beautiful coat of feathers…

We had so many feathers on our turkey that it was difficult to find a spot to add any more feathers by the end of the day…

Enjoying their Colorful Turkey Creation

A job well done by our students and a bright and colorful turkey looked quite proud in his new coat of feathers…

Questions you may have…

  • We covered our magnetic board with contact paper leaving the sticky side out and taping the edges of the sticky paper around the back of the board.
  • The feathers came from Walmart
  • You can read more about how to make a magnetic board here!
Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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