3 Easy Show and Tell Clues for a Enchilada

Is your little one hunting for that elusive "E" word for this week’s Show and Tell? While most kids will be showing up with a plastic Elephant or an Empty Egg carton, your child has the chance to stand out with something savory, cultural, and totally unexpected.

Bringing an Enchilada for Show and Tell (or even a picture of one!) is a fantastic way to celebrate the letter E while introducing the class to a delicious piece of culinary history. Whether your family makes them every Tuesday or you’re ordering from your favorite local spot, the enchilada is a "Show and Tell Letter E" superstar.

What Exactly is an Enchilada?

If you’re explaining an enchilada to a room full of curious five-year-olds, think of it as a "warm, savory hug in a blanket."

At its simplest, an enchilada is a soft corn tortilla rolled around a filling—usually something like shredded chicken, beef, beans, or gooey melted cheese—and then tucked into a baking dish. The secret ingredient that makes it an enchilada is the sauce. It's covered in a rich red or green sauce and topped with even more cheese before being baked until it’s bubbly and warm. It’s a staple of Mexican cuisine that has been around for hundreds of years!

Why the Enchilada is Perfect for Letter E

Finding objects for the Letter E can actually be a bit of a challenge for parents. Beyond the standard "Eagle" or "Eraser," the options can feel a bit thin. That’s why the Enchilada Show and Tell is such a clever move.

Not only does it start with that clear, short "E" sound, but it also opens the door for a conversation about different cultures and family traditions. Even if your child doesn’t have a physical enchilada to pass around (since schools can be tricky with hot food!), they can bring a photo of themselves cooking them at home or a play-food version. In early childhood education, we love it when a child connects a letter to a real-world experience, and "E is for Eating something delicious" is a lesson that will definitely stick!

Engaging the Senses: The "Show" Part

To make the presentation really pop, help your child describe the enchilada using sensory details. This helps their classmates visualize (and smell!) what they are talking about:

• Look: Mention the bright colors. Is the sauce a deep, earthy red or a vibrant "salsa verde" green? Is the cheese melted and golden on top?
• Touch: Talk about the texture. Is the tortilla soft and pillowy? Is the cheese stretchy and gooey?
• Smell: This is the best part! Use words like "spicy," "savory," "cheesy," or "warm."
• Sound: Does the cheese sizzle when it comes out of the oven?

Presentation & Acting Tips

Since an enchilada is a food item, the presentation is all about the story of the meal. If your child is bringing a real one in a container (check with your teacher first regarding allergies!), they should hold the container with two hands to show how "heavy" and full of filling it is.

Pro Tip: If they are bringing a photo, suggest they point to the different layers—the tortilla, the sauce, and the toppings.

Questions to Practice at Home:

• "What is your favorite thing to put inside your enchilada?"
• "Who helps you cook them at home?"
• "Is the sauce spicy or mild?"

3 Fun Facts About Enchiladas to Impress the Class

Kids love "did you know?" moments. Give your child these three facts to share:

1. They are Ancient! People in Mexico were eating tortillas wrapped around small fish long before explorers even arrived.
2. The Name Means "Chili-ed": The word enchilada actually comes from the Spanish word enchilar, which means "to add chili pepper to something."
3. There’s No One Right Way: There are dozens of types of enchiladas! Some are folded, some are rolled, and some are even stacked like a savory pancake.

Choosing an enchilada for Letter E day is a creative, "E-xcellent" way to make Show and Tell memorable. It’s more than just a snack—it’s a conversation starter!