“Show and Tell” is often considered to be a way of filling in time. It gives children a chance to share a little about themselves or their activities with classmates. It is generally informal and there is no structure around this part of the program.

Show and tell can be transformed into a very meaningful classroom segment. It can also be engaging for all class members. Here are some ideas.

* Ask selected students to be ready with specific questions of the presenter.

* Similarly, have students pre-prepared to offer commendations and recommendations for the presenters consideration.

* With the class, prepare an evaluation template that covers elements of speech and speaking. Work with the class to ensure that the template takes account of ‘matter’, ‘manner’ and ‘method’ as key presentation elements.

* Draw up with students a class roster that enables all children to have regular turns at parenting and evaluating.

A program of this nature lends itself to a progression that develops a range of presentation skills. The following might be included:

Eye contact

Clarity of speech

Speed of speaking

Use of punctuation in oral presentations

Qualities of vocalisation

Use of notes

Inclusion of props

Stance and gesture

Focus on speech parts including the beginning, middle and the end if an oral presentation.

A similar raft of skills can be developed to cover speech evaluations.

Show and tell should be a meaningful and looked forward to part of the program. There is a great deal of relevance in encouraging children to speak, listen and appreciate with confidence.

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