Show and tell is a classic classroom activity that’s fun and essential for young elementary school students. It gives young children the perfect opportunity to express themselves, share their interests, and practice important communication skills. As they present an object or a story to their classmates, they build confidence, learn to speak in front of others and engage in conversations that foster curiosity and empathy.
In this post, we’ve gathered a list of engaging and simple show and tell ideas for kindergarten. These ideas will spark excitement in your little ones, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re a parent preparing at home or a teacher looking for classroom inspiration, these ideas will help your kindergarteners shine during their show and tell sessions.
What Makes a Good Show and Tell Item for Kindergarten?
A great show and tell item for kindergarten is one that excites the child and encourages them to share confidently with their classmates. When choosing an item, it’s important to consider a few general guidelines:
- Simplicity: The object should be something easy for the child to understand and explain. Kindergarteners are still developing their language skills, so the simpler the object, the easier it will be for them to talk about it.
- Personal Connection: The best show and tell items are those that hold personal meaning to the child. Whether it’s a favorite toy, a family photo, or a souvenir from a trip, a personal connection will make the presentation more engaging and heartfelt.
- Age-Appropriateness: Make sure the object is safe, non-fragile, and suitable for young children. Avoid items that are too complicated or might distract the class, such as electronic gadgets or a delicate family heirloom. It can also be a good idea to label the item with the child’s name so it does not get lost.
- Creativity and Curiosity: Encourage children to bring in something that sparks curiosity. This could be something from nature, like a cool rock or a leaf, or something they created themselves, like a drawing or craft project. Items that inspire questions from classmates are great for starting discussions within a kindergarten class.
By selecting show and tell ideas that are simple, meaningful, and appropriate, you’ll help children feel more comfortable sharing and create a more enriching experience for the whole class.
10 Fun and Easy Show and Tell Ideas for Kindergarten
A Family Photo
Family photos allow children to talk about important people in their lives and connect with others. Encourage students to bring a picture of their family and talk about each family member in the picture, and share a special memory involving their family. This is also a great tie in to social studies.
Family pictures can also be added to a class book!
You can download this class book and many others for free by joining my email list. Just click the picture!
A Favorite Toy
Children naturally love sharing their favorite toys, so it’s a great option for show and tell! Encourage the child to describe the toy, explain why they love it, where they got it, and any special memories they have with it. Plan for some play time during the day to promote social skills too!
A Book They Love
Sharing a favorite book promotes early literacy and lets children practice telling about their favorite stories. Ask the child to summarize the story, talk about the different characters, and share what they liked best about the book. Students could also share their books with others in the classroom community.
Alphabet Show and Tell
Alphabet show and tell is a popular idea for kindergarten students and a great way to reinforce letter knowledge or the letter of the week. Typically the teacher will teach a letter of the alphabet and students will bring an item from their home that begins with that letter. For example if for the letter r students might bring a stuffed rabbit or radish.
If you need ideas for items to bring for specific letters of the alphabet, check out this post: Show and Tell Ideas for Every Letter of the Alphabet.
This is also a perfect way to incorporate writing! You can create an anchor chart including all of the items brought for that letter or even make a class book or show and tell alphabet journal.
A Nature Find
Collecting items from nature, such as an interesting rock, leaf, or shell, encourages curiosity and love for the natural world. Ask students to bring an item found in nature, where they found the item, what makes it interesting, and why they chose it for show and tell.
A Drawing or Craft
Showcasing a drawing or craft allows children to express their creativity and artistic skills. Most students have a collection of items that they have created that they would lvoe to share with others.
A Favorite Outfit
Kids often feel confident and excited to show off a special outfit that reflects their personality or a memory. It’s also a great way to learn more about students and their interests! Students can draw a picture of themselves or even have a unique show to share their fashion!
Food Items
One of my favorite memories of school was an alphabet feast we had! Each student had to bring a food item to share that started with the letter of their name. So a child named Jack may bring jelly beans and a child named Sarah may bring strawberries. Students can show and tell about the item they brought and the class can enjoy tasting it! As always, be aware of any classroom allergies and seek parent permission.
Tips for Parents to Support Show and Tell
Before the first show and tell of the school year, it can be helpful to write a parent letter explaining your expectations and the benefits of show and tell. Here are a few tips to share with parents:
Help Students Choose an Item
Allow your child to pick their item themselves. When children choose something that excites them to share with their peers, it’s easier for them to talk about it with enthusiasm and confidence.
Practice at Home
Before the big day, have a practice session at home. Encourage your child to speak clearly and describe their item in a few simple complete sentences. Practicing in a familiar environment can help boost their confidence. Always practice talking in a voice loud enough for all students to hear.
Help Them Anticipate Questions
After their presentation, classmates may have questions. Prepare your child by asking a few potential questions at home, such as “Where did you get it?” or “Can you show us how it works?”
Helpful Tips for Show and Tell in Kindergarten
Show and tell is a valuable and enjoyable activity that helps kindergarteners build important life skills, from public speaking to confidence. By selecting meaningful and fun items, children can express their interests, share personal stories, and engage with their classmates in a positive and interactive way. Whether it’s a favorite toy, a cherished family photo, or something from nature, each item provides a unique opportunity for young learners to shine.
Parents and teachers play a key role in making show and tell successful by guiding children in their choices, practicing at home, and encouraging them to ask questions and listen to their peers. With the right support and these creative ideas, show and tell can become an exciting part of any kindergarten classroom!