By Mary Wilson

Discuss the difference between "showing" and "telling" with the class. Find several good examples of both "showing" and "telling" in an essay in the TW Book (or elsewhere) and read them with the class. Then read several "tells" to the class.

Examples could be:

  1. "It is difficult being an only child."
  2. "My hometown is boring."
  3. "My mother is my best friend."

After reading each "tell" have them write a few sentences that "shows" this same thing. (So, for example, #1 might be: "Every night at dinner it's just Mom, Dad, and me. Mom, Dad, and me. Sometimes, I pretend my little brother is kicking me under the table.")

Have several students read theirs to the class and discuss.