Turkey Disguise Family Project: A Creative Classroom Adventure

The Turkey Disguise Family Project is a hands‑on, collaborative activity that brings together students, parents, and community members to explore creativity, teamwork, and seasonal traditions. First introduced during the 2020‑2021 school year, the project has grown into a beloved annual tradition that takes place each November.

Why a Turkey Disguise?

In many cultures, the turkey is a symbol of harvest, gratitude, and community. By turning the turkey into a “disguise,” teachers encourage children to think about identity, transformation, and storytelling. The project asks participants to imagine a turkey wearing costumes from different eras or professions—pirates, astronauts, chefs, or even superheroes—and then to create those outfits using recycled materials.

Project Structure and Timeline

  1. Kick‑off Meeting (First Week of November) – Parents and teachers gather in the kindergarten classroom to discuss the project’s goals and share ideas. A recording from Frederic Poag and A. Eevie Bateman’s live video session provides inspiration and a step‑by‑step guide on how to build a basic turkey costume.
  2. Design Phase (Weeks 1‑2) – Students, with the help of classmates Ayanna and Sammi, sketch their turkey’s disguise. Lee Lee, a budding illustrator, assists classmates by drawing detailed character outlines.
  3. Construction Phase (Weeks 3‑4) – Materials such as cardboard, paper mache, and craft supplies are collected from home and local businesses. Families work together in the school’s workshop space to assemble and decorate the costumes.
  4. Showcase (Last Week of November) – The finished turkeys are displayed in a hallway exhibition. Students present their creations to classmates, teachers, and visiting families, explaining the story behind each disguise.

Weekly Challenges: Keeping the Momentum Alive

To maintain excitement throughout the project, teachers introduce a new Weekly Challenge each week: