What show and tell is
Show and tell, sometimes called show and share, is a classroom routine in which a child brings something from home, or talks about something that matters to them, and shares it with the group. The sharing is usually short: the child shows the item, says a few things about it, and may answer a question or two from classmates.
It often takes place during or after circle time, when the group is already gathered.
Why show and tell matters
Early childhood educators and speech and language professionals commonly point to several benefits. As with most classroom routines, formal research on show and tell alone is limited, so these are best read as widely shared professional views.
Language and vocabulary
Describing an object means finding words for its color, size, use and history. Children practise full sentences, put events in order (“first we got it, then…”) and answer questions. Adults can model richer language by repeating and expanding what the child says. More ideas are in language development activities for 3 to 5 year olds.
Confidence
Many children get their first experience of speaking to a group through show and tell. Because they choose a topic they know well, the task feels manageable. Repeated, positive experiences can make speaking up feel more comfortable over time.
Listening and respect
The audience matters as much as the speaker. Children practise looking at the speaker, waiting their turn, and asking a question instead of calling out. These are the same skills used in circle time and group play.
Thinking skills
Choosing what to share, remembering details and thinking of a question to ask all draw on memory and planning. Teachers can ask open questions such as “What do you like about it?” to extend thinking.
Connecting home and school
Sharing a favorite toy, family photo or story lets children bring something of their world into the classroom. It gives teachers and classmates a way to learn about each child’s interests and family life.
Pride and identity
Being listened to by a group supports a sense of being valued. Children also learn to appreciate that classmates have different interests and experiences.
What can children share?
Not every idea has to be a purchased toy. Variety keeps the routine fair for all families.
- A favorite book, with a short retelling of why they like it
- A picture they drew or made
- A family photo, with a copy rather than the original if possible
- A natural item found outside, such as a large leaf or smooth stone (see safety notes below)
- Something connected to the current theme, such as a seasonal item or a color
- A family tradition, recipe, instrument or cultural item, shared with the family’s agreement
- A story about a pet, a trip or a new skill, with no object at all
- A “mystery bag” activity, where the child gives clues about a hidden item before showing it
Examples of simple themes include “something red”, “my favorite book”, “something that makes me smile” or “something I can do”.
Running show and tell in the classroom
- Keep turns short. Around one to two minutes each is a sensible starting point for preschoolers, though it depends on the group.
- Use a small group. Having only a few children share each day, rather than the whole class, keeps the rest of the group engaged and avoids long waits. A rotation chart lets everyone know their day.
- Use a gentle structure. A simple prompt, such as “What is it? Why do you like it? Who wants to ask a question?” can help.
- Teach audience habits. Practise “eyes on the speaker” and “one question at a time” before the first sharing day.
- Welcome all kinds of contributions. A child who shares one word and a smile has taken part. Do not rush or correct heavily.
- Make a place for the item. A basket or shelf where items rest before and after sharing avoids tugging and disputes.
- Return items promptly. Keep a record of what came in and send it home the same day to avoid loss.
Helping a shy or hesitant child
- Let them choose whether to speak. Offer to stand next to them, or let them whisper to the teacher who repeats it.
- Allow the child to share one-to-one or in a pair first, perhaps with a gentle prompt from ice breaker questions for preschoolers.
- Offer a sentence starter, such as “This is my… I like it because…”.
- Let a child hold the object and show it without speaking.
- Praise effort rather than performance, for example “Thank you for sharing”.
- Avoid forcing a turn. If a child consistently struggles with speaking in group settings, talk with the family, and consider seeking advice from a qualified professional if there are wider concerns about speech or communication.
Safety and fairness guidelines
Because items come from home, it is worth setting a few clear, friendly guidelines at the start of the year and sharing them with families.
- Small parts and choking hazards. Avoid items with small pieces, loose beads, button batteries, coins, magnets, marbles or balloons. These can be dangerous, particularly for children under about three and for any child who mouths objects. Consider the youngest child in the room when deciding.
- Sharp, fragile or unsafe items. Do not bring anything sharp, breakable, hot or otherwise unsafe. Weapons and toy weapons are usually excluded.
- Allergies. Avoid bringing food unless the program’s allergy policy allows it. Be careful with items such as stuffed animals that may have been near pets if a child has allergies.
- Live animals. Bringing pets raises hygiene, allergy and safety concerns, so most programs do not allow it, or only with advance approval and strict supervision. Photos are a simple alternative.
- Valuable or precious items. Keep irreplaceable items at home. Ask families to bring a copy of a photo and to avoid anything they would be upset to lose or have damaged.
- Handling. Often it works best for the speaker to hold the item while classmates look. If children pass items around, an adult should supervise to avoid grabbing or dropping.
- Fair and inclusive. Remind families that the item need not be expensive. Offer a “no-object” option and keep a spare class item for children who forget. Be mindful of family circumstances, such as children who may not have something to bring.
- Respect privacy. Be careful with sensitive family stories or photos, and let families know what is being shared.
Check your school’s policies, which may set additional rules.
Preparing at home
- Talk about the idea a day or two before and let your child choose the item.
- Practise telling it once or twice at home in a relaxed way, without turning it into a performance.
- Ask open questions, such as “What do you want to tell your friends?” and let your child answer in their own words.
- Check the item against the safety guidelines, and pack it so it is easy to carry.
- After sharing, ask how it went and celebrate the effort, however it unfolded.
If your child has a busy morning ahead, a calm start helps; see our guide to morning routine for preschool.
FAQ
What is the point of show and tell?
It gives children a safe opportunity to practise speaking and listening in a group, talk about something they care about, and connect their home life with school.
What are some good show and tell ideas for preschoolers?
Favorite books, drawings, photos, items matching a class theme, seasonal finds, family traditions or simply a story about something they can do. Choose items that meet your school’s safety rules.
What are the benefits of storytelling for preschoolers?
Telling and listening to stories builds vocabulary, sequencing and listening skills (see the importance of storytime for preschoolers). Show and tell is one small way children get regular practice telling their own stories.
What are some examples of show and tell?
A child may show a favorite stuffed animal and say its name, bring a drawing of their family, or tell the class about a new skill, like tying a shoe. Younger children may only say a few words, and that still counts.