What Turkey Doing? by John Agard

"What Turkey Doing?" by John Agard is a delightful children's poem that takes young readers on a rhythmic journey with various animals. It's a counting poem that engages young readers with its simple language and whimsical narrative and uses repetition and simple language to create an engaging experience.

Counting Theme

John Agard, the author, is known for his captivating and accessible poetry for children. His writing style in this poem is light-hearted, making it suitable for a happy and playful mood. The theme revolves around counting animals and ends with a humorous question about a turkey in a chicken pen.

Playful Counting Adventure

The poem is important for children as it introduces them to counting playfully. Its rhythmic and repetitive structure makes it easy for them to follow along and participate. The repetition of phrases, such as "mosquito jump" and "cockroach dance," adds a musical quality to the poem, enhancing its appeal to children.

Engaging Curious Minds

The language used in the poem is simple and suitable for children, allowing young readers to understand and enjoy the poem effortlessly, and creating an entertaining and educational experience for young readers.

The central question, "What turkey doing in chicken pen?" introduces an element of curiosity and humor. This unexpected scenario encourages children to use their imagination and engage with the poem's storyline.

Counting Fun with Benefits

The benefit of What Turkey Doing? lies in its ability to combine education and entertainment. It helps children learn to count in a fun way, stimulates their imagination through imaginative scenarios, and introduces them to the joy of poetry.

References

Montgomery, H. and Watson, N.J., 2009. Children’s Literature.