50 show and tell ideas to make your child’s presentation shine

Show and tell is an excellent way for kids to express themselves, build confidence, and improve communication skills. Here are 50 show-and-tell ideas to help your child impress their classmates and make their presentation fun and engaging.

Personal and sentimental items

1. Baby picture – Your child can share a fun story about when they were little, such as a memorable first word or a funny baby moment.

2. Favorite stuffed animal – Share why they cherish the animal, whether it’s a bedtime companion or a gift from someone dear.

3. Handmade craft – Let them showcase a project they’ve created, describing the materials used, how they made it, and what inspired the craft.

4. First drawing or painting – Explain the artistic techniques used to make the drawing or painting and how their skills have evolved with practice.

5. A letter from a family member – Read a short excerpt from the letter and explain its importance, such as discussing their relationship with the family member who wrote it or the meaning behind the message.

Nature and science finds

6. Unique rock or mineral – Encourage your child to research their rock’s type and origin. They can share where they found it, why it stood out, and any interesting facts about its composition.

7. Seashell from a trip – Ask them to describe their beach adventure, how they collected the shell, and explore how shells form in the ocean.

8. Pressed flower or leaf – Review facts about the plant, including its name, seasonality, and location, and what made them choose to preserve it, including details about the preservation process. 

9. Fossil or dinosaur toy – Help them research what their fossil represents, how fossils form over time, and why dinosaurs are so fascinating to scientists.

10. Bug collection (toy or real, safely stored) – Encourage them to explain the role of different insects in nature, their habitats, and why some specific bugs are important for the environment.

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Books and learning materials

11. Favorite book – Choose a passage they love to read aloud with enthusiasm. Discuss why it resonates for them, what emotions it brings out, and any lessons they’ve learned from it.

12. Comic book or graphic novel – Have them describe the storyline and main characters, explaining why they find the comic exciting or meaningful. They can also discuss the unique artwork and how it helps tell the story.

13. Dictionary or encyclopedia page – Ask your child to find a fascinating word or fact, explain its meaning, and share an interesting detail about it. Take it a step further by describing how they might use this new knowledge in everyday life.

14. A map or globe – Let them point out a place they dream of visiting and why. They can mention famous landmarks, cultural facts, or a historical event linked to that location.

15. Handwritten story or poem – Have them read their piece aloud and explain their creative process. They can talk about their inspiration, how they developed their characters or themes, and what emotions they hope to evoke in their audience.

Toys and games

16. Favorite action figure or doll – Have your child describe their character’s background, personality, and any exciting adventures they have undertaken. They can even create a short story or scene to bring the character to life for their classmates.

17. Board game piece – Explain the game’s objective and rules in simple terms. They can demonstrate a demo version of how the game works to engage their classmates.

18. Puzzle or brain teaser – Pick a riddle or puzzle to challenge their peers and explain the logic behind solving it. They can also discuss why puzzles help develop problem-solving skills.

19. Lego creation – Talk about the design process, including how they came up with the idea, what pieces they used, and any challenges they faced while building. They could also compare it to real-life architecture or engineering concepts.

20. Yo-yo or fidget toy – Your child can demonstrate a few simple tricks and explain how practicing improves their coordination and focus. They can also share personal experiences of how the toy helps them relax or concentrate better in class.

Cultural and family heritage

21. Family heirloom (safe for kids) – Have your child share the story behind a meaningful family item. They can talk about where it came from and why it holds sentimental value. They can also explain how it connects them to their family history and what it represents in their culture.

22. Traditional clothing – Wear or show an outfit from their cultural background. They can explain its significance, what occasions it’s traditionally worn for, and how it makes them feel when they wear it.

23. Holiday decoration – Have your child bring a decoration related to a favorite holiday and describe the traditions around it. They can discuss how their family celebrates, any customs they follow, and why this holiday is meaningful to them.

24. A flag from another country – Your child can explain what the flag represents, including its colors and symbols, and share a fact about that country’s culture. Encourage them to share any personal connections to that country and which cultural aspects they find fascinating.

25. Recipe card or favorite dish – Have them describe a family recipe, its ingredients, and why it’s a staple in their household. Consider discussing who taught them the recipe, how it’s traditionally prepared, and any memories associated with making or eating it.

Sports and hobbies

26. Sports medal or trophy – Let them showcase an award they’ve won and explain the hard work and practice behind their achievement. Share the challenges they faced, how they improved their skills, and what this recognition means to them.

27. Dance shoes or uniform – They can talk about their favorite dance or sport, demonstrating a simple move or technique. They can discuss why they enjoy it, how often they practice, and any performances or competitions they’ve participated in.

28. Musical instrument – Play a short tune and describe how they learned to play their instrument. They can share how long they’ve been practicing, what inspired them to choose this instrument, and their favorite songs to play.

29. Photography – Ask them to share a favorite photo they took and explain what inspired them to capture that moment. They can discuss lighting, composition, and the emotions they aimed to capture in their shot.

30. Journal or diary (share an appropriate entry) – Discuss their love for writing and how keeping a journal helps them express their thoughts. They can share how journaling has helped them reflect on their experiences, process emotions, or document important memories.

Technology and innovation

31. Old cell phone or gadget – Have them compare how technology has evolved over time and how the older device was used. Discuss how this gadget worked, what made it remarkable at the time, and how newer versions have improved or changed its functionality.

32. Robot or STEM project – Explain a science or engineering project they’ve built and its purpose. They can describe the materials used, the challenges faced during construction, and what they learned from the experience.

33. Homemade science experiment – Ask them to demonstrate a simple experiment and describe the science behind it. Have them explain the steps, why the reaction happens, and how this experiment relates to real-world scientific concepts.

34. 3D-printed object – Have them show a 3D-printed creation and talk about the technology used to make it. Explain the design process, the materials used, and the potential applications of 3D printing in various industries.

35. A video they created – Help them explain the process of making a video and what story they wanted to tell. They can discuss the planning, filming, and editing process, and what message or emotions they hoped to convey through their video.

Animals and pets

36. Picture of a pet – Share fun stories about their pet’s habits and personality. They can cover what makes their pet unique, funny, or interesting behavior, and how they care for their furry friend.

37. Animal plush toy – Have them discuss their favorite animal, its habitat, and interesting facts about it. Make it more personal by sharing why they love this animal and any fun personal stories related to it.

38. Bird feather or snakeskin (shed naturally) – Ask them to explain how birds molt or how snakes shed their skin. They can talk about the science behind this natural process, how they found the item, and what it teaches us about wildlife.

39. Fish tank decoration – Have them walk the class through caring for fish and maintaining an aquarium. They can describe how they set up their tank, what kind of fish they have, and what responsibilities come with keeping fish as pets.

40. Pet adoption certificate – Have you adopted or rescued a pet or animal? They can discuss what led to the adoption, how their pet has adjusted to their home, and what they’ve learned about caring for an animal.

Travel and adventure

41. Postcard from a vacation – Ask them to describe a place they’ve visited and their favorite memory from the trip. They can share details about the sights, culture, food, or any exciting activities they experienced.

42. Plane ticket or travel brochure – Talk about a dream destination and why they want to visit it. They can mention key landmarks, local traditions, or what they would love to do there.

43. Camping gear – Have them share a fun camping experience and what they learned from being outdoors. They can describe their favorite part of camping, such as making s’mores, setting up a tent, or spotting wildlife.

44. National park souvenir – Have kids share about a park or zoo they visited and the wildlife they saw there. Share what made the park noteworthy, whether it was breathtaking landscapes, rare animals, or fun hiking trails.

45. Picture of a road trip adventure – Ask them to describe a road trip they took and what made it memorable. They can talk about the different places they stopped, any interesting roadside attractions, and what made the journey fun.

Show and tell with a purpose

46. Charity or donation receipt – Talk about why they feel it’s important to give back and any causes they support. They can describe how they chose the cause, why it matters to them, and how their contribution makes a difference in the community.

47. Environmental project – Have them explain a recycling or sustainability project they’ve worked on. They can discuss what materials they used, how the project helps the environment, and what they learned about conservation.

48. Leadership badge (scouts, school club, etc.) – Share what they’ve learned from their leadership experience. They can talk about the responsibilities they’ve taken on, how they’ve helped others, and how leadership has shaped their confidence and skills.

49. A letter to their future self – Ask them to read a letter they wrote and discuss their hopes and dreams. They can reflect on what they hope to achieve, what challenges they might face, and how they see themselves growing over time.

50. Dream job drawing – Have them illustrate and explain their dream job and why it excites them. They can describe what inspired their choice, the required skills for the job, and how they plan to work toward their goal.

Helping your child develop important life skills

Helping your child with show and tell is an opportunity to help them develop confidence, express themselves, and connect with their audience. Encourage them to share why their chosen item is special and how it relates to their experiences. With practice and support, each presentation helps build stronger communication skills and self-assurance.

Looking for more ways to help your child build confidence and leadership skills? Bookmark our guide to leadership activities for kids.

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