The
Unexpected Power of Show and Tell
Sarah Lynn
Truth be told I love "Show and Tell." It may seem like an old fashioned
assignment, but the objects adult students bring to class often tell
their most important stories.
Here are a few examples:
A Small Grey Stone
Janice showed us a pebble she carries with her every day. Years before
she had been in a motorcycle accident in the mountains. She was
bleeding uncontrollably from a ruptured artery. Her friend grabbed a
smooth pebble from the ground and pressed it against her throbbing cut.
Janice held the stone in place as her friend went to find help. When
the paramedics arrived, they said the stone had prevented Janice from
bleeding to death.
A Child's Drawing
Carlos brought a child's drawing of a rabbit. His son had sent it to
him many years ago. It is perfectly drawn. The drawing is an
inspiration to Carlos. It reminds him of the importance of the tuition
bills he pays every month. His son now is 19 and studying engineering
at a university in El Salvador.
A Blanket
Magda brought an embroidered baby blanket that has been passed down
from generation to generation. Each mother embroiders her initials into
it and then wraps her newborn in the blanket. It helps Magda feel
connected to family in Colombia, as she raises her two daughters in the
U.S.
A Medallion
Edith showed us a small silver medallion that she wears around her neck
every day. It was good-bye gift from her aunt, just as Edith set out on
the dangerous journey from Guatemala to the United States. As Edith
made her three-week journey, she often touched the medallion to feel
the protection of her aunt’s love.
Show and Tell Logistics
- The presenter writes the name of the object on
the board and a few key words.
- The presenter speaks for three minutes,
pointing to the key words and defining them when appropriate.
- The presenter passes the object around. If the
object is too delicate to be handled, it can be passed around on a tray.
- Students ask questions.
- Students take a few minutes to retell the story
on the feedback sheet. I collect their responses and pass the most
cogent ones on to the presenter.
Show and Tell
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Classmate's Name: |
My Name: |
What is the object? |
What is its story? |
Why is it important to my
classmate? |
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with Show and Tell!
http://teachertwoteacher.wordpress.com
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