S Show and Tell Ideas for Letter S Week

Welcome to one of the most exciting weeks in the kindergarten phonics calendar! The letter S is a true superstar of the alphabet, known for its distinct, hissy sibilant sound that children often find delightful to mimic. As a teacher, I love Letter S week because it marks a turning point where students begin to recognize one of the most common consonants in the English language. However, for parents, the sheer abundance of 'S' words can actually make narrowing down a Show and Tell item surprisingly tricky. Should you go with a classic toy, a piece of clothing, or something from the kitchen pantry? Phonetically, the letter S is fascinating because it is a 'continuous' sound, meaning you can hold the 'ssss' sound as long as you have breath. This makes it an excellent letter for early readers to practice blending. In the classroom, we focus on the pure /s/ sound, like a snake in the grass. While the letter S can sometimes sound like a /z/ (as in 'nose') or partner up to make the 'sh' sound (as in 'shoe'), for initial Show and Tell, we generally encourage items that feature that crisp, clear hissing sound at the very beginning of the word. Show and Tell is much more than just a break from traditional lessons; it is a vital pedagogical tool that bridges the gap between abstract phonetic symbols and the tangible world. When your child selects an object, they are performing a categorization task that reinforces their phonemic awareness. By standing in front of their peers to explain why they chose a 'sun' or a 'sandwich,' they are building foundational public speaking skills, boosting their self-esteem, and cementing their understanding of the alphabet in a social, high-engagement environment.