3 Easy Show and Tell Clues for a Nasturtium

When "Show and Tell Letter N" week rolls around, most parents instinctively scan the toy box for a plastic Net or a stray Ninja turtle. But if you want your child to stand out with something vibrant, educational, and a little bit magical, look no further than your garden.

The Nasturtium is the unsung hero of the "N" week. It’s not just a flower; it’s a sensory experience wrapped in bright petals and lily-pad leaves. If you’re looking to help your little one shine during their classroom presentation, this guide will help you turn a simple bloom into the star of the show.

What Exactly is a Nasturtium?

To a five-year-old, a Nasturtium is basically a "Superhero Flower." These plants are famous in the gardening world for being incredibly tough and multi-talented. They grow quickly, have round, flat leaves that look like miniature umbrellas, and produce trumpet-shaped flowers in fiery shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Unlike many delicate garden flowers, Nasturtiums are "edible" (though we always tell kids to check with a grown-up first!). They are nature’s way of showing off, making them the perfect candidate for a nature-themed Show and Tell.

Why it’s the Ultimate "Show and Tell Letter N" Choice

Finding a unique item for Show and Tell Letter N can be a challenge. While "Notebook" and "Necklace" are fine, the Nasturtium offers a "Natural" twist that teachers love.

Using a living thing for the Letter N helps children connect the alphabet to the world around them. It’s also a great way to talk about "Nurturing" (another great N word!) and how we take care of plants. If your child is feeling extra creative, they can even introduce it as their "Notable Nasturtium" or their "Newest Nature Friend."

Exploring the Senses: The "Show" Part

When your child stands up in front of the class, they shouldn't just hold the flower—they should describe it. Help them practice using these sensory observations:

• Look at the Leaves: Point out that the leaves are perfectly round with a little white dot in the middle. They look just like tiny lily pads or green shields.
• Feel the Petals: Nasturtium petals are velvety and soft, while the stems are smooth and a little bit "juicy" or succulent.
• Spot the "Spur": If you look at the back of the flower, there’s a little "tail" or spur. That’s where the nectar hides for the bees!
• The Vibrant Colors: Use descriptive words like "sunshine yellow," "fire-engine red," or "sunset orange."

Presentation & Acting Tips

A great Show and Tell is all about the delivery. Since a Nasturtium is a delicate plant, here is how to handle the presentation:

1. The Transport: Place the Nasturtium in a small, clear jar with a little bit of water, or wrap the stem in a damp paper towel and put it in a decorative baggie. This keeps it from wilting before their turn.
2. The "Water Trick": If you want to really wow the class, bring a tiny spray bottle. Nasturtium leaves are "hydrophobic," meaning water beads up and rolls off them like silver pearls. Have your child demonstrate this—it looks like magic!
3. The "Shield" Pose: Have your child hold a leaf up like a tiny shield. They can say, "This is my Nasturtium, and it grows its own umbrellas!"

Questions to Practice:

To get them ready for the "Question and Answer" portion, ask them these at home:

• "Where did you find this Nasturtium?" (In my garden, at the store, at Grandma’s).
• "What color is your favorite part?"
• "Does it have a smell?" (They often smell a bit peppery or like clover).

3 Fun Facts to Impress the Class

Give your child these "secret weapons" to share with their friends:

1. You Can Eat Them! Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible. They have a spicy, peppery taste, almost like a radish. (Note: Remind the class to never eat plants without asking a teacher or parent first!)
2. Garden Guardians: Farmers call them "trap crops." They are so tasty to bugs that they actually draw the "bad bugs" away from the vegetables to keep the garden safe.
3. Space Travelers: Because they are so easy to grow and packed with Vitamin C, scientists have even studied them as a potential food source for astronauts!

Bringing a Nasturtium for Show and Tell is a wonderful way to celebrate the Letter N while sparking a curiosity for the natural world. It’s colorful, interactive, and—most importantly—it’s something they’ll be proud to share.