How to Prepare For Your Child’s Show and Tell in Singapore (2025)

Show and Tell is a cherished activity in many Singaporean preschools, providing children with a valuable opportunity to express themselves confidently in front of an audience.

Not only is this practice a fun and engaging experience, but it also serves as an integral component of children’s education, laying the foundation for key skills such as public speaking, emotional expression, and communication.

While Show and Tell can be an exciting experience for many children, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. 

Some children may feel shy or anxious speaking in front of their peers, especially if it’s their first time. Others might struggle to organise their thoughts or express themselves clearly. 

For parents, it can be tricky to strike the right balance between helping their children prepare and allowing them to speak authentically in their own words.

As children grow, mastering the art of presenting their thoughts clearly and confidently becomes an essential life skill. In this article, we’ll explore how Show and Tell benefits your child and how parents can support this developmental process.

What is Show and Tell?

Show and Tell is a dynamic teaching tool used by teachers to help children develop their public speaking skills, language, and confidence. This beloved classroom activity typically involves a child bringing an item from home, such as a favourite toy or book, and explaining it to the class.

The Benefits of Show and Tell for Your Child

Show and Tell is far more than just an exercise in public speaking. It has a profound impact on a child’s development, contributing to both their academic and personal growth. Here are some key benefits:

1. Language Development

Show and Tell encourages children to use a wider vocabulary, practice articulation, and form coherent sentences. By explaining their thoughts clearly, they develop both their speaking and listening skills.

2. Confidence Building

Presenting in front of peers helps children overcome any fears of public speaking and develop the confidence to express themselves. Presenting in front of a group helps build confidence, which translates into other areas of their lives, including schoolwork and social interactions.

3. Emotional Expression

Through Show and Tell, children learn to articulate their emotions and thoughts. This exercise encourages them to reflect on their experiences and share personal stories, which aids in their emotional growth.

4. Organisation of Thoughts

Speaking in front of an audience requires children to structure their thoughts logically. This promotes critical thinking and helps children organise their ideas coherently and engagingly.

5. Respectful Listening

Listening to peers during their presentations fosters empathy and patience. It also teaches children the value of being attentive and respectful when others are speaking.

Key Tips for Children to Succeed in Show and Tell

While Show and Tell is a fun and beneficial activity, it can be daunting for some children. Here are some essential tips that can help them succeed during their presentation:

1. Good Posture and Eye Contact

Encourage your child to stand with their feet still and together and maintain eye contact with their audience. This body language helps them project confidence and engage with their listeners.

2. Clear and Loud Voice

A loud, clear voice ensures that everyone can hear the presentation. Remind your child to speak clearly and, if necessary, practice projecting their voice at home.

3. Engage with the Audience

Your child should feel comfortable looking around at their peers while speaking rather than focusing solely on the item they are presenting. This helps them connect with their audience and appear more confident. 

4. Use Exciting Descriptions

Encourage your child to use descriptive words when talking about their item or experience. This makes their presentation more engaging and helps them communicate their ideas effectively.

Practical Tips to Prepare Your Child for Show and Tell

As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child’s preparation. 

Show and Tell is an ongoing journey, and your involvement is key to boosting their confidence and providing valuable feedback. Children are encouraged by both parents and teachers to participate actively, which helps in building their public speaking skills.

Here are some simple and practical ways you can help your child prepare for their Show and Tell:

Pick a Familiar Topic

Choosing a topic that is familiar to your child will help them feel more comfortable and confident during the presentation. Topics could include their favourite toy, a memorable family vacation, or a piece of artwork they created.

Provide Props for Comfort

Props can help your child feel more at ease during their presentation. A stuffed animal, a favourite book, or even a picture of a recent trip can serve as comforting objects to hold while they speak.

Ask Encouraging Questions

At home, guide your child by asking questions that will help them formulate their presentation. You can ask:

• “Where did you find it?”
• “How long have you had it?”
• “How does it work?”
• “Why is it special to you?”

These questions will help your child think about the topic more deeply, understand its meaning and significance, and give them the language tools they need to express themselves effectively.

Praise and Encourage

Positive reinforcement is essential. After practice rounds, be generous with your praise. Celebrate your child’s effort, whether it’s their use of language, clarity in speaking, or confidence in standing in front of an audience.

Empowering Your Child’s Growth Through Show and Tell

Show and Tell is more than just a fun classroom activity. It plays a pivotal role in developing essential skills such as communication, confidence, and emotional expression. 

It cultivates confidence, sparks curiosity, and builds the foundations of effective communication. In a preschool setting, these moments matter. They help children find their voice, share their thoughts, and connect with others in a supportive space.

At Little Skool-House, we understand the power of such formative experiences. That’s why activities like Show and Tell are thoughtfully integrated into our preschool curriculum—not just as standalone events, but as part of a larger learning journey that develops language, self-expression, and confidence in every child. 

With our bilingual and research-informed approach, we provide the right environment for your child to thrive, not just in front of the class, but in life. Discover how we empower young learners through purposeful experiences and give your child a strong, well-rounded start to their educational journey.

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