Show and Tell at Home Practice

Your child's chosen special object

A designated "stage" spot to stand

A willing family audience

Announce show-and-tell night. Everyone picks something special.

Give 5 minutes to choose an item — anything goes.

Help prepare three things to say: what is it, where from, why special.

Practice once before the performance.

Gather the audience. Set up a stage spot.

Child presents: holds up object, says three things, makes eye contact.

Audience asks one question each.

Applaud! Next family member takes a turn.

Public speaking is a skill that benefits from early, low-pressure practice. Show-and-tell at home gives your child a safe audience to practice standing up, speaking clearly, and organizing thoughts — all skills that transfer directly to school.

The "three things" structure prevents the two extremes: a child who says nothing, or a child who rambles for 10 minutes. Three facts is a manageable goal.

Ask genuine questions, not quizzy ones. "What do you love most about it?" is better than "What color is it?" Genuine questions invite longer, more thoughtful answers.

Let siblings present too — watching others model presentation skills is powerful learning.

Do this weekly and keep it fun. Over time, your child's comfort with standing and speaking will grow noticeably.