8 Strategies to Teach Show Don’t Tell

Do your students look back at you with blank stares when you ask them to “show, don’t tell” in their writing? If so, it’s for a good reason! While it seems simple to some, show don’t tell is a difficult concept to understand. The real way to ensure students fully grasp this strategy is through a lot of intentional practice and exposure. This is why I recommend teaching show don’t tell at the very beginning of the year, and spiraling back all throughout the year.

So, exactly how do you get your students to understand and apply this technique? I’m sharing eight specific strategies to help your students show vivid and concrete details in their writing. From illustrating the scene to using dialogue, these strategies will help your writers transform their compositions and engage their readers. Remember, if this seems like a difficult skill for your kids right now, don’t worry! Stay encouraged. Show don’t tell will become easier over time!

In this episode I share:

• The big difference between showing vs. telling
• Using your five senses to support character development
• Incorporating interactive games into your lessons
• Why I recommend avoiding adverbs
• A simple way to introduce the use of dialogue

Resources mentioned:

• Character Traits and Character Feelings
• Show Don’t Tell Charts

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About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!

You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!