Same Writing › Stories, reports and summaries › Show, don't tell
What does show, don't tell mean?
Telling names a feeling or trait: “Maya was nervous.” Showing gives the details that let the reader figure it out: her hands shook, her mouth felt dry, she whispered “What if I forget?” Kids use actions, the five senses, and dialogue to show.
- Telling names it: nervous, happy, cold.
- Showing gives clues: actions, senses, words.
- The reader figures it out, which pulls them in.
Why schools teach it
Details make stories come alive
Kids are asked to use dialogue and description to show how characters respond (W.4.3b) and to use concrete words and sensory details (W.5.3d, W.7.3d). “Show, don't tell” is how most teachers say it.
It also builds reading skill: figuring out a feeling from clues is the same thinking as making an inference.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What would I see you do if you felt that way?
ActionsWhat would you hear, smell or feel?
SensesWhat might the character say?
DialogueCan I guess the feeling without the word?
Test it
Skip this
- Banning every feeling word.Showing is for important moments. A little telling is fine.
- Piling on adjectives.Strong verbs and specific details work better than “very, very scary.”
- Showing every small thing.Save it for the moments that matter in the story.
See it in action
Showing that it was cold
Tell: It was cold outside.
Actions
I yanked my hat over my ears and stuffed my hands deep in my pockets.Senses
My breath puffed out in clouds, and the snow crunched under my boots.Dialogue
“Can we please go inside?” my brother begged, teeth chattering.
Ask your child to read the “show” version to you and guess the feeling.
Free practice sheet
Make a show, don't tell sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
Is telling always wrong?
No. Telling moves a story along quickly. Showing slows down important moments.
What are sensory details?
Details about what you see, hear, smell, taste or touch.
How long should a “show” be?
Two or three sentences for one telling sentence is plenty.
Does this apply to essays?
Mostly to stories, but specific examples do the same job in essays.