Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Show and Tell Prompt Cards: Free Printable Card Set for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Show and Tell Prompt Cards is a free printable card set for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children use sentence starters to talk about something they have brought to share. They practise speaking in sentences, describing an object and listening to others. It takes about 10 minutes, needs only paper and a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
The sheet is a set of cards to cut out and use. Each card gives children the start of a sentence, such as I brought, It is, I like it because, It feels and Any questions. Children pick a card, finish the sentence aloud about something they have chosen to share, then move on to the next card. The set ends with a chance for listeners to ask a question.
- I brought...
- It is...
- I like it because...
- I got it from...
- It feels...
- You can use it to...
- My best bit is...
- It makes me feel...
- Any questions?
Getting ready to share
Choose something to bring
Pick a small, safe object that is easy to hold. A favourite toy, a book or a shell all work well. Avoid anything fragile, sharp or hot, and leave valuable things at home.
Cut out the cards
A grown up can cut the cards out before you start. Lay them face up or place them in a pile, so your child can choose one at a time.
Practise once at home
Let your child try the cards with a family member before sharing in a group. A first go in a calm space makes the group turn feel easier.
Make a sharing spot
Choose a chair, a cushion or a rug as the place where the speaker sits. A special spot tells children that this is their turn to talk and everyone else's turn to listen.
Why show and tell works for young speakers
Show and tell gives young children a clear reason to talk. They choose something they care about, so they already know what they want to say. That makes it easier to try longer sentences, because the thinking is done and only the words are left. The object helps too. Holding something real gives a child something to look at and a reason to keep going.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Communication and Language covers listening, attention, understanding and speaking. Sentence starters support all of these. A starter such as I like it because leads a child into a full sentence, and listeners learn to wait, look and think of a question. Taking turns in a group builds confidence a little at a time.
Skills and curriculum link
- Speaking in sentences
- Describing an object
- Listening to others
- Taking turns
- Asking and answering questions
- Confidence
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Speaking | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can talk about something I have brought.
- I can speak in full sentences.
- I can answer a question from a friend.
Ideas to help children share
- Model it firstShow your own object and use the cards yourself. Children copy the shape of a sentence they have heard.
- Give thinking timeWait a few seconds after a card is chosen. Many four and five year olds need a moment before the words arrive.
- Use the objectAsk your child to hold it, turn it over and look closely. Touch and sight give them more to say.
- Praise the effortSay what you liked, such as how clearly they spoke or how well they listened. Small, specific praise builds confidence.
Key words
- Sentence starterThe first few words of a sentence. You finish it with your own ideas.
- DescribeSay what something looks like, feels like or does.
- FavouriteThe one you like best.
- ListenLook at the speaker and keep your ears ready.
- QuestionSomething you ask to find out more.
- TurnYour go. One person speaks at a time.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes for you.
- Cut out the cards. Choose something to share, then pick one card to start.
- Work through it together the first time. Read the card aloud and talk about what your child wants to say.
- Let your child finish the sentence, then pick the next card. Take about 10 minutes, and stop sooner if they tire.
- Come back another day with a different object. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use just three cards: I brought, It is and I like it because. Let your child hold the object while they speak. Say the first sentence yourself so they hear how it sounds, then let them copy it and add their own words.
To stretch confident children
Use five cards in order to talk for longer. Ask your child to join two ideas with and or because. Then let them choose the next card without help and speak for a little longer each time.
Make it a game
Sit in a circle and pass a toy round. The person holding the toy speaks and everyone else listens. Each speaker picks one card and finishes the sentence about their object. The group can then ask Any questions? before the toy moves on.
Talk about it
- Can you tell me about what you brought?
- What does it look and feel like?
- Why is it special to you?
- Where did it come from?
- What would you like to ask a friend about their object?
- How did it feel to talk in front of everyone?
Take it off the page
Mystery bag
Put a familiar object in a bag. Your child feels it without looking and describes it in a full sentence. Then they pull it out and see if their words fitted.
Teddy audience
Line up soft toys as listeners. Your child shows an object and talks to them. Ask the toys questions in funny voices for your child to answer.
Photo chat
Look at a family photo together. Ask your child to say who is in it and what they like about it, using a sentence starter.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first card, then let them lead. Keep it relaxed and short. If they go quiet, say the start of the sentence with them and wait.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, a table activity or an early finisher task. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. It fits speaking in Communication and Language, and works well for a circle time round with a toy.
Home educators
Pair it with a trip to the park, a walk or a favourite book. Children can share something they found or made. Use it again for brothers and sisters, and let older children act as the audience.
Where this fits in learning to speak
Before this sheet, children name objects, join in with songs and rhymes, and answer simple questions from adults they know. Many have shared a favourite toy in a small group or at home. These small steps give them the words and the confidence to take a turn.
After this, children begin to speak in longer, more connected sentences and to explain their ideas to a wider audience. They also learn to ask questions that fit what a speaker has just said. Retelling a story and giving short talks build on the same skills.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Can you tell me about what you brought?
- What does it look and feel like?
- Why is it special to you?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age are Show and Tell Prompt Cards for?
They are written for Reception, ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children can join in with a grown up, and the help idea on page 2 makes the set shorter and easier.
- What will children practise?
They practise speaking in sentences and describing something to others. They also practise listening, taking turns and answering a question from a friend. These skills sit within Communication and Language in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 10 minutes. Children pick one card at a time, finish the sentence aloud and move on. Stop sooner if they tire, and come back another day to try again with a different object.
- What if it feels too hard for my child?
Use just three cards: I brought, It is and I like it because. Say the first sentence yourself so your child can copy it, then let them add their own words. Build up slowly over several days.
- Is it free, and do I need colour printing?
Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. No colour is needed. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper, and you can print it again for brothers and sisters.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. Passing a toy round a circle is a simple way to use it with a group.
- Is it a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, and the talking happens face to face. That makes it a good choice for quiet time, a rainy afternoon, a family gathering or a calm moment before bed.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.