Put a fun spin on a classroom classic with this “Don’t Show, Just Tell” Alphabet Show and Tell Game — a creative twist on traditional show and tell that helps young learners build speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills while practicing the alphabet.
Instead of revealing their object immediately, students bring an item that starts with an assigned letter (A–Z) and complete a worksheet with written clues. Classmates then ask questions and try to guess the mystery object based on the hints — turning a simple show-and-tell into an interactive, low-pressure speaking activity students love.
Why teachers love this resource:
- Promotes letter-sound recognition and early phonics skills
- Encourages the use of descriptive language and complete sentences
- Strengthens student-led speaking and active listening
- Builds classroom community through fun guessing games
- Perfect for ESL and ELL learners needing extra speaking practice
What’s included:
- 26 “Don’t Show, Just Tell” worksheets (one for each letter A–Z)
- Student answer sheet for recording guesses
- Color and black-and-white printing options
- Teacher directions for easy implementation
Classroom uses:
- Kindergarten and early elementary alphabet practice
- Back-to-school icebreakers or circle time
- ESL, EFL, and ELL speaking and listening lessons
- Weekly alphabet routines
- Fun end-of-week review or literacy center activity
Use this resource as a weekly alphabet activity, or assign each student a letter to create a class mystery object calendar. This keeps the routine engaging, encourages participation, and provides repeated opportunities to practice both language and listening comprehension.
Available on TPT:
Alphabet Show and Tell Mystery Object Speaking & Listening Activity
Pair it with this resource from my shop:
About Me Student Introduction Worksheets — a perfect back-to-school icebreaker that lets students share fun facts about themselves while practicing English speaking and writing skills.