Student Writing Skills 101: 'Show Me, Don't Tell Me'
Jasmine hurt her leg is a boring way to tell readers about the time that the curious preschooler climbed atop a barn when no one was looking. Telling not only bores readers, but it also omits details that are important.
This PowerPoint compares and contrasts showing and telling. There are also a number of examples included that can be used with students to allow them to practice turning these less-than-inspiring “telling” examples into motivational, inspiring, and thought provoking details.
Included with each “telling” quote is a “showing” example that shows just how easily one can expand on the condensed detail with elaborated sensory details that relate to relevant memories. Making the connection to one’s senses is a key component of transitioning from “telling” to “showing” readers!