Teach Kids Chinese Song Turkey in The Straw! Got turkey? I mean got a turkey plush toy?
Where is the turkey? Kids asked. Good question! This month the pet turkey is the star and kids will learn how to sing Turkey in The Straw in Mandarin.
Turkey is also the leading character in many of the stories. A popular kids’ song, Turkey in The Straw is a story. When kids learn this song they will get to know a very important Chinese expression, ài ya – 唉呀 | 哎呀!
The expression of ài ya 唉呀/哎呀 delivers a surprise, shock, blame, dismay, or fear. There is not an equivalent English translation. However, in the song, Turkey in The Straw children can comprehend the meaning of this commonly used expression.
Don’t be surprised if the kids keep using it. The more the merrier. This is what we all love to see. Having fun keeps kids actively using the target language.
Highlights of the Song and Activities:
-
There are action verbs that are also high-frequency words in the song, such as:
-
pǎo 跑 run
-
zhǎo 找 look for ( add an object here)
-
zhǎo yì zhǎo 找一找 look for it
-
Play Simon Says, the Chinese version “The Teacher Says” lǎo shī shuō 老師說 | 老师说 with the newly introduced words and expressions.
-
Download the song lyrics printable to guide kids to look for the featured action verbs, act out the words, and SING with movement!
Teach Kids Chinese Song Turkey in The Straw
Learning-centered Chinese language activities in November include:
-
Singing Turkey in the Straw. Watch song video. Download song lyrics printable
-
Making Thank You cards and posters to show gratitude
-
Thanksgiving Words and Expressions Match game
-
Chinese Literacy Building What Do You Eat on Thanksgiving Day story video
-
Podcast Episode Featuring “I am grateful for …. and thank you” in Mandarin
- Premium resource – Numbers and Literacy Pack. This teaching unit features colors, seasonal words, and expressions, easy Chinese readers, and number practice for novice level children. I hope you check it out. Two versions are available:
Traditional Chinese version
Simplified Chinese version
