A turkey has a distinctive strut and a unique call. A children’s song can bring that same sense of character and fun to language learning. Today, we explore a traditional Portuguese rhyme called “O Peru,” which means “The Little Turkey.” This cheerful song follows a small turkey who shows off his feathers and makes his special sound. We will use this melody as a joyful way into English. Together, we will learn new words, explore important sounds, and discover how a simple song can make language learning feel like a playful strut across the barnyard. The little turkey is proud and confident. Your child can feel that same confidence when exploring English.
What is the rhyme? “O Peru” is a playful nursery rhyme in Portuguese-speaking cultures. It tells the story of a little turkey who puffs out his feathers and struts around. The song has a bouncy, proud rhythm. Children often use hand movements. They spread their fingers like a turkey’s tail feathers. They puff out their chests. They make gobbling sounds. The song celebrates being noticed and making oneself heard. It invites children to be bold and expressive. When we bring this song to English learning, we keep its lively spirit. We use the familiar melody to introduce English words in a way that feels like showing off new skills with pride.
The lyrics of nursery rhymes To understand this song, we first look at the original Portuguese words. Then we see how they translate into English. This shows children that the same playful character can be expressed in different languages. You do not need to know Portuguese to enjoy the bouncy, proud rhythm of the words.
Original Version (Portuguese)
O peru, o peru Vai mostrar, vai mostrar Sua cauda, sua cauda Vai pavonear, vai pavonear
English Version
The little turkey, the little turkey Will show, will show His tail, his tail Will strut, will strut
A second verse often continues the story, focusing on the turkey’s special sound.
Original Version (Portuguese)
Quem é que faz, quem é que faz Assim tão forte, assim tão forte O peru faz, o peru faz Glu glu glu, glu glu glu
English Version
Who makes, who makes A sound so strong, a sound so strong The little turkey makes, the little turkey makes Gobble gobble gobble, gobble gobble gobble
As you read these words, notice the proud repetition. The rhythm moves like a turkey’s strut. The story is simple and bold. A little turkey shows his tail feathers and struts. Then we learn the strong sound he makes. This narrative invites children to be bold and expressive.
Vocabulary learning This song offers a wonderful set of words that connect to animals, actions, and sounds. We can explore these words through conversation, movement, and playful imitation.
Start with the main character: the turkey. In Portuguese, it is peru. In English, we say “little turkey.” The word “turkey” refers to a large bird with a fan-shaped tail. You can look at pictures of turkeys together. Notice their colorful feathers. Practice the sound a turkey makes. In English, we say “gobble gobble.”
Here are the key words to focus on from the song:
Turkey: A bird with a big tail. Explain that turkeys can puff up their feathers to look big and proud.
Show: To let others see something. This is an action word. Ask your child to show you something they made or found.
Tail: The feathers at the back of the turkey. Show pictures of turkey tails. Compare to other animal tails.
Strut: To walk in a proud way. Walk around with your chest out and your head high. Let your child try.
Sound: What we hear. Talk about different sounds. The turkey makes a strong sound.
Strong: Powerful and loud. Make a strong sound together. Then make a quiet sound. Compare them.
Gobble: The specific sound of a turkey. Practice saying “gobble gobble” together. Make it loud and silly.
Use these words in natural moments. When your child shows you a drawing, say “you are showing me your picture, just like the turkey shows his tail.” When you walk proudly, say “I am strutting like a turkey.” These connections make the vocabulary meaningful.
Phonics points Phonics helps children understand the sounds that build English words. This song gives us several clear sounds to explore in a lively, confident way.
First, focus on the ‘t’ sound at the beginning of “turkey” and “tail.” This is a sharp, unvoiced sound. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say “t t t.” You will feel a puff of air. Practice with “table,” “toy,” and “turkey.” This sound appears in many common words.
Next, notice the ‘sh’ sound in “show.” This is a quiet, airy sound. Put your finger to your lips and say “shhh.” Then say “show.” Practice with “ship,” “shop,” and “shoulder.” This sound is common in English and fun to make.
The word “strut” contains the ‘str’ blend. This is three consonants together. Say “s,” then quickly add “t,” then “r.” Then add “ut.” Practice with “street,” “strong,” and “strut.” This is a challenging blend. Celebrate when your child tries it.
Finally, look at the ‘g’ sound in “gobble” and “glu” (the Portuguese sound). In English, “gobble” has the hard ‘g’ sound. Say “g g g” like a gentle growl. Then say “gobble.” Practice with “go,” “good,” and “gobble.” The double ‘b’ in “gobble” gives a bouncing rhythm to the word.
Grammar patterns Even a simple song contains grammar that we can introduce gently. We do not need to use technical terms. Instead, we show how words work together through examples and play.
The song uses the future tense with the word “will.” “Will show” means the turkey plans to show his tail. You can explain this simply. “Will” is a helper word that tells us something is going to happen. Practice by talking about your day. “You will show me your drawing.” “We will make a sound.” This gives children a tool to talk about future events.
The second verse introduces questions again. “Who makes a sound so strong?” This is a question word. “Who” asks about a person or animal. You can practice by asking simple questions. “Who is strutting?” “Who makes the gobble sound?” This teaches children how to ask and answer in English.
Notice the repetition of phrases. “The little turkey, the little turkey” repeats the noun. This repetition adds rhythm and makes the phrase easy to remember. Children can use this pattern themselves. They might say “my tail, my tail” when pretending to be a turkey.
Also, look at the adjective “strong” in “a sound so strong.” This describes the sound. You can practice using describing words. “A loud sound.” “A quiet sound.” “A happy sound.” This builds vocabulary for description.
Learning activities Activities bring the song into the body and the imagination. They transform listening into active participation. These ideas are simple and require little preparation.
Turkey Strut Play the song and pretend to be the turkey. Walk around with your chest out. Spread your fingers like a turkey tail. When the song says “will show his tail,” puff out your hands behind you. When it says “will strut,” walk proudly. When it says “gobble gobble,” make the sound loud and clear. This activity builds listening skills and confidence.
Feather Show Create simple turkey feathers using paper. Cut out colorful feather shapes. Tape them to your back or hold them in your hands. Sing the song and show your feathers. Walk around and strut. This connects the song to a craft activity and imaginative play.
Sound Strength Game Make different sounds. Some are strong and loud. Some are quiet and soft. Take turns making sounds. Ask “is that sound strong or quiet?” Then practice the turkey’s strong “gobble” sound. This builds understanding of descriptive words and sound vocabulary.
Printable materials Printable resources offer a quiet way to reinforce the song’s vocabulary. They are perfect for moments when children want to create or focus calmly.
Flashcards Create a set of flashcards. One card shows the turkey. One shows a hand showing something. One shows a turkey tail. One shows a proud walking figure. One shows a sound wave for “sound.” One shows the word “gobble.” Use these cards for a matching game. Sing a line from the song and ask your child to find the matching card. This builds word recognition.
Coloring Page Draw a simple scene from the song. Show the little turkey with his tail feathers spread wide. Draw him strutting across a barnyard. Children can color the feathers in bright colors. As they color, talk about the scene. “What color are the turkey’s feathers?” “Is he showing his tail?” This keeps the language flowing naturally.
Feather Pattern Page Create a page with an outline of a turkey tail. Provide small colored paper pieces. Your child can glue the pieces onto the tail to create patterns. While working, sing the song together. This combines fine motor skills with language practice.
Educational games Games encourage repetition without boredom. They invite children to use the language in new and creative ways.
Turkey Says Play a game similar to “Simon Says.” Give commands using the song’s vocabulary. “The turkey says show your tail.” “The turkey says strut proudly.” “The turkey says gobble loudly.” If you give a command without saying “the turkey says,” the child does not move. This game builds listening skills.
Sound Matching Make different animal sounds. The turkey gobbles. The cow moos. The rooster crows. Ask your child to identify each sound. Then take turns. Your child makes a sound, and you guess. This extends the vocabulary beyond the song.
Proud Parade Line up and have a turkey parade. Walk proudly around the room or outside. Show your feathers (hands or paper feathers). Sing the song as you walk. At the end of the parade, everyone makes their best “gobble” sound. This combines movement, music, and confidence.
As you share “O Peru” with your child, remember that you are celebrating confidence and expression. The little turkey shows his tail. He struts. He makes his sound with strength. Learning a new language takes courage. It takes showing what you know. It takes making sounds that might feel new or silly. Let the proud little turkey be an inspiration. Sing the song when your child needs a boost of confidence. Strut together. Make strong sounds together. Let the bold spirit of the turkey remind you both that every new word is something to show off with pride.