Show, Don't Tell

Show, Don't Tell

I awaken to the deafening buzz of my alarm clock at 7:00 a.m. I hit the snooze button three times before dragging my drowsy self to the bathroom. I brush my teeth, take a shockingly cold shower, and blow dry my wet hair in record time. After trying on nearly evert outfit in my closet, I run down the stairs, feed my barking dog, and inhale my oatmeal breakfast. I toss my books in my backpack, grab my coat and gloves, and finally race out the front door. I arrive at the bus stop just as the bus drives away.

Showing

My mornings are crazy. It's hard to get to school on time!

Telling

Telling vs. Showing

I had to go to the dentist to get a cavity filled. My stomach was in knots. I felt like I was going to throw up. My palms were sweating and my hands were shaking. Going to the dentist made me feel like I wanted to scream. I closed my eyes real tight and tried not to imagine how much it was going to hurt. I couldn't slow down my heart beat. It seemed to be poinding a mile a minute. I tried to stop biting my nails, but I was just dreading the idea of having a needle in my mouth. Ouch!

Showing

I had to go to the dentist to get a cavity filled. I was feeling very nervous. I was really terrified of going to the dentist. I was scared that it was going to hurt. I worried about it all day long!

Telling

Now you try!

Open Ended

1. I was scared to go on the roller coaster.

Open Ended

1. I couldn't believe all of the gifts I found under the tree!

Open Ended

1. I was very upset when we lost the game.