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Show and tell (sometimes called show and share or sharing time) is the practice of showing something to an audience and describing it to them, usually a
"show and tell,"
''The American Heritage dictionary of idioms,'' p. 580. In a typical session of show and tell, a child will bring an item from home and will explain to the class why they chose that particular item, where they got it, and other relevant information. The exact origins of show and tell are unknown, but it was written about as early as 1954 in the journal ''Childhood Education.'' Show and tell is used to develop storytelling ability, bridge school and home, forge connections and bonds between students, help teachers to gain a better understanding of their students, and enhance student's communication skills, including around feelings. It can also be used to build public speaking skills such as voice projection and poise. Variants of show and tell have been used to teach vocabulary. Although often thought of as an activity for younger children, teachers have described successfully bringing it into classrooms of students in middle and even secondary grades. The name has also been used to describe other educational practices, such as a way for students to demonstrate mathematical thinking. The teacher's role in show and tell can vary. The teacher may suggest a theme for the objects, such as particular vocabulary words. During the presentation of the object, some teachers do minimal guidance, while other teachers take a more active role in preparing students for the activity, helping students give a successful share, and in guiding questions and comments from other students. A 1994 paper found more involved teaching can lead to better psychological gains for students than a more passive approach. A 2014 study found over 50 picture books about show and tell. Show and tell has been criticized for the amount of time it takes, monotony, and for penalizing shy students.
Show and tell (sometimes called show and share or sharing time) is the practice of showing something to an audience and describing it to them, usually a toy
A toy or plaything is an object that is used primarily to provide entertainment. Simple examples include toy blocks, board games, and dolls. Toys are often designed for use by children, although many are designed specifically for adults and pet ...
or other children's-oriented item. In the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...
, North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and th ...
, New Zealand
New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island coun ...
and Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of , Australia is the largest country by ...
, it is a common classroom activity in early elementary school
A primary school (in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and South Africa), junior school (in Australia), elementary school or grade school (in North America and the Philippines) is a school for primary ed ...
.Ammer, Christine. (1997)"show and tell,"
''The American Heritage dictionary of idioms,'' p. 580. In a typical session of show and tell, a child will bring an item from home and will explain to the class why they chose that particular item, where they got it, and other relevant information. The exact origins of show and tell are unknown, but it was written about as early as 1954 in the journal ''Childhood Education.'' Show and tell is used to develop storytelling ability, bridge school and home, forge connections and bonds between students, help teachers to gain a better understanding of their students, and enhance student's communication skills, including around feelings. It can also be used to build public speaking skills such as voice projection and poise. Variants of show and tell have been used to teach vocabulary. Although often thought of as an activity for younger children, teachers have described successfully bringing it into classrooms of students in middle and even secondary grades. The name has also been used to describe other educational practices, such as a way for students to demonstrate mathematical thinking. The teacher's role in show and tell can vary. The teacher may suggest a theme for the objects, such as particular vocabulary words. During the presentation of the object, some teachers do minimal guidance, while other teachers take a more active role in preparing students for the activity, helping students give a successful share, and in guiding questions and comments from other students. A 1994 paper found more involved teaching can lead to better psychological gains for students than a more passive approach. A 2014 study found over 50 picture books about show and tell. Show and tell has been criticized for the amount of time it takes, monotony, and for penalizing shy students.
See also
*Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language ...
* Circle time
Circle time, also called group time, refers to any time that a group of people, usually young children, are sitting together for an activity involving everyone.
The method is now in widespread use in schools across the UK and the USA. In Scotlan ...
References
Early childhood education Education in North America Public speaking Communication skills training {{education-stub