Why do we do ‘Show and Tell’ at school?

I think we all recognise the importance of public speaking in our workplaces. Public speaking should begin at school where children form social bonds and learn self-confidence along the way. ‘Show and Tell’ is a popular way used in schools to develop these public speaking skills.

Here are a few ideas that parents can use to develop these skills at home:

Observe the Journey Game

1. Whilst driving, walking or on public transport, ask your child to describe as much of their surroundings as they can within one minute!
2. Get them to think about shapes, colors and what is happening.
3. After multiple attempts over days/weeks your child will begin to speak more clearly and sharpen their observation skills which are essential for speaking well.
4. The Woof Game
5. This hilarious game will build your child’s ability to think Choose a common word like it or be.
6. Provide your child with a topic to speak on for thirty seconds.
7. Every time the chosen word is to appear in their speech they should replace it with woof.

Imaginary Animal Game

Get a group of family members, neighbors and friends together with your kids.

1. Ask each group member to think of an animal and give them one minute to think of how they would describe that animal.
2. Each member must then be questioned by their fellow members on the size, color(s), habitat and other attributes until they discover what animal it is.

For more fun, games go to:

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/30784/public-speaking-for-kids/

Above all, remember that practice makes perfect and to have as much fun as you can along the way…

Kim Coetzer

Year 2 Teacher