Once each day have a family ‘show and tell’ session when each family member tells the others about something that they found interesting or enjoyable during the day. The speaker stands and addresses other family members who sit, listen quietly and pay very close attention to the speaker. It is very important that the speaker is appreciated and congratulated on how well he or she speaks. Never should the speaker be undermined by the audience speaking among themselves or not paying attention. Nor should there be negative comments or ‘put downs’. Whenever possible the speaker shows the audience a toy, animal, picture, piece of clothing or some other relevant object that relates to the speaker’s subject. 

Even if your child says nothing, or only a few words, during ‘show and tell’ sessions she should be congratulated for taking her turn. If she is encouraged and congratulated then she should eventually begin to say more and her language use will improve. When doing ‘show and tell’ your child will not only be practicing speaking during her turn, but she will also be learning by watching and listening to the other speakers. Over time she will likely begin using the communication methods of other speakers that she enjoys, as well as her own natural ideas.

Show and tell allows your child to expand on her knowledge, to try new ways of communicating, to clearly present information to the group, to develop public speaking skills and to learn to listen to others.