• Many young children have hidden talents they are unaware of.microphone image by Richard J Thompson from Fotolia.com
  
  Teachers naturally want to encourage their students to participate in extracurricular events and activities as much as possible. Many schools hold yearly talent shows, and you may find that you have some students who would like to participate but have not yet discovered their talent. With gentle encouragement and suggestions, you might be able to help your students uncover their hidden talents, and have a good time while doing so.
  
  

Lip Syncing

• It is a nearly universal fact that young people love music. However, not everyone can sing. There is no shame in lip syncing, and it can be particularly fun with a small group of like-minded students. If the members of the group can dance, encourage them to choreograph the routine. If they can't dance, suggest that they mime the actions described in the song instead.
  
  

Recreate a Famous Movie Scene

• The history of film is rife with famous scenes that can be acted out by a group of two or more students. For example, who could forget the legendary ending scenes of "Gone with the Wind" or "Casablanca?" Alternatively, have the group attempt to act out a famous battle scene from "Star Wars" or "Lord of the Rings." For a solo performer, try the dance scene near the end of "Napoleon Dynamite."
  
  

Athletic Showcase

• Athletic ability counts as a talent, but you may have students who do not realize it. If you have a student who can execute a flawless slam dunk or bounce a soccer or golf ball endlessly without letting it touch the ground, encourage her to show off her talent.
  
  

Stand-up Comedy

• Stand-up comedians are not always born with the ability to keep an audience in stitches. In fact, one way to start is by memorizing someone else's routine. You might consider suggesting stand-up comedy to a student who has difficulty breaking out of his shell in front of a group. Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld are two comedians whose work could easily be adapted, as both have delivered plenty of family-friendly routines. For a solo act, a slightly altered version of Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue" might generate a great many laughs.
  
  

Nonperforming Roles

• If you have students who are adamantly opposed to getting up on the stage, encourage them to participate in the talent show in other capacities. For example, you might teach some students how to operate sound or lighting equipment, while others could design posters to hang around the school. In this way, children who do not want to perform can still influence the outcome of the show and feel a sense of accomplishment in doing so.