Hosting a class talent show is the perfect end of year activity in upper elementary. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the class community you’ve worked so hard all year to foster.

Why a Class Talent Show?

Hosting a class talent show is a great idea for a few reasons. You know how the end of the year can be a whirlwind for teachers, right? Well, having a super fun, low-prep activity like a class talent show is the perfect way to celebrate with your class. The finish line is in sight!

Plus, think about this: when your students perform in front of their classmates, they’re in their comfort zone, which means they’ll be more likely to want to participate. Trust me, even if your school already has a big talent show, having a class-specific one is totally worth it. The smaller, more intimate setting of a class talent show gives them the confidence boost they need.

Clear Expectations

Talent shows are most successful when expectations are clear. Here are my suggestions on the expectations to share with students:

1. Ensure your act is rehearsed and prepared before the big day. Practice makes perfect! Have you seen America’s Got Talent? Those acts are *usually* well rehearsed.
2. Acts can be in groups of no more than three.
3. Make sure that you have everything you need.
4. Acts must be appropriate. This includes the music that you choose.
5. Music must be submitted two days before the class talent show.
6. You may submit a video of you doing something at home or from an organized activity that you’re a part of. Videos must be no more than 3 minutes long.
7. Participation is optional.

Talent Show Slides

I created talent show slides to help you stay organized on the day of and leading up to the class talent show. If students need music for their act, I insert the music via YouTube so that it’s easy to play.

TIP: Make sure that music videos are appropriate before displaying the video to the entire class. Trust me. 😅

Reorder slides based on the order you’d like the acts to go in. I like to group like acts together like all singing, dancing, etc.

The Big Day

During the last week of school, we will have our class talent show. We turn down the lights, set up our chairs in a group to make a spectator’s area. Before we begin, I remind all students to encourage one another and that it takes a lot of bravery to share a talent in front of the class. I remind students to make positive comments, only.

Upper elementary teachers, enter your details above to grab your copy of the class talent show slide deck & sign up sheet template.

Further Reading

Are you looking for more classroom community builders? Check out the following blog posts…

• Morning Slides for a Calm Morning Routine
• Try Show and Tell with the Big Kids
• The Best Classroom Community Tips for the Family Feeling