Show and Tell

Show and Tell time is still an active weekly activity in my class.  In my early years teaching, I struggled how to organize this.
During sessions with C.L.A.S.S. (Connecting Learning Assures Successful Students, education-creating successful schools with collaboration skills, brain research and character education out of Carmel, Indiana), I learned during 'circle time' to allow the students to lead their talk without any adult comments. I rarely talk except to offer a topic idea or to move-it-along. I avoid judgement statements such as, 'that's nice'  or  even asking questions. 
There are many approaches to Show and Tell such as, setting a theme for the weekly focus, free choice, color, beginning sounds, etc.  I've tried them all. 

 
The first time we do a show and tell, the children are allowed to bring in a teddy bear for our Teddy Bear Fun Friday in early September.  The children can practice at home what they want to tell us about their bear.  Its name, where they got it, where do they keep him and so on.  I  have a tub of extra bear friends in case they don't have a bear or forgot.  The bear then gets to spend the day with the child during activities and specials. 
After that the rule is NO TOYS or stuffed animals.  I want to keep it away from, "Oh, I have that." and keep it focused on what the child wants to share to tell.
A few years, we tried changing the name of our time to "Sharing" but it was confused with bringing something for everyone to have (like a snack).
Back to Show and Tell.
Our class sits in a circle and each week a new child is designated as the one to go first.  

The child stands. If they brought something, they hold it in front of their tummy.  When they are finished, they turn left to right and we clap as they sit down.  Clapping is how we tell each speaker, thank you. Clapping also gives a movement break that some need to be an active listener again.   When it is not their turn, the item is kept behind their backs with their hands in their lap.
I insist on:

• Active listening - hands in their laps and looking at the speaker
• No talking unless it is your turn
• EVERYONE has a turn to show and tell or just TELL
•  When the speaker is finished they are to chose the next person, they tell the person next to them " __(name)__, it is your turn."  
• If they don't know the person's name, they are to ask, "what is your name?" (it still amazes me that throughout the year some need to continue to ask)
• There is NO PASSING.  I tried the opting out, but soon it became a habit and a few never took a turn.  So now EVERYONE has a turn.  
• IF they don't bring something, they can TELL whatever they want.  For some children, I offer a few suggestions, to tell about what they did last night, their favorite food, color, pets, what they like to play...
• We are patient to a point trying to move the time along.  I don't seem to have to wait too long anymore, they just get it.

When everyone has had their turn, I now allow the children 3-4 minutes (I set the timer) to mingle.  This is the time they can get a closer look at something, or to ask something more of the presenter.  This has become a favorite of mine to watch them sincerely show an interest and ask questions.  It is refreshing to see how they beam as they show still some more.

They are learning how to SOCIALIZE in an appropriate way.

 I send a note to the families explaining the who, what, when, where, how and why we do our Show and Tell.
It includes:

Purpose:  To use language speaking skills, to speak in full sentences, to speak clearly, to build self-confidence, to explain or describe an item or event.

PRACTICE: being able to answer questions about who, what, where, when, how and why.  Stand in front of a mirror to “show” the item brought.

Ideas for show and tell:

·        Photographs (limit 2)

·        Things collected from nature

·        Crafts

·        Pictures they drew or colored

·        Book (be able to tell the name of the book, and what it’s about briefly)

·        One or two items from a special “collection”

*Items must fit in their school bag and classroom mailbox.

Student will hold items to show.  They will not be passed around the class.  When finished all items will be returned to their mailbox to take home.

Be sure to wrap or bag any breakable items.  (Be responsible with breakable items)

NO toys or stuffed animals, weapons, live animals (a photo or drawing or book about a pet is appropriate)

It takes about 20 minutes (for 25 students) and is so worth it!  

Establishing a routine helps give the students  

 structure.

  

After 4 weeks, my children can practically do it themselves.  

I say,  "Try it, you might like it!"