Tattling; Don't Squeal, Blue or Red, and Tattling Certificate; Friend/Social Skills 4

Tattling
Children must be taught that reporting possible dangerous or harmful behavior is not tattling.  We want our children to come to us if they are scared, or see someone else getting hurt.  If a child is concerned about something that does not seem right, they should find a trusted adult to talk to.  Tattling is not reporting.  Tattling is done with the goal of getting someone else in trouble, as a way to solve a small problem, or to manipulate a situation.    An example is when a child who doesn't get his or her way in deciding what game to play, may warn others that they are going to tell, knowing the friends or sibling will get in trouble.

Blue or Red     

(Hand out squares of construction paper that are blue and red.  Can substitute raise your hand, cross your arms).

What is the difference in tattling or requesting help to report something that has happened.  Read the list below and have your child/students hold up the blue card for tattling (or raise your hand), and hold up the red card (cross your arms), to report something important.  Discuss the reasons why it is tattling or reporting as you go along.

Michele keeps trying to push/trip me (reporting)

Antonio won’t play with me (tattling)

Robert said there’s a fight at the field after school (reporting)

Tanya fell down the stairs (reporting)

Sarah won’t play with me (tattling)

Bobby didn’t bring his math book (tattling)

Keisha ran into the street (reporting)

Raj was throwing leaves (tattling)
Bella is throwing rocks (reporting)

Alton cut in front of me in the lunch line (tattling)

Mark has a knife (reporting)
Maryann took something that wasn't hers (reporting)
Ty keeps looking at me weird (tattling)
Amy keeps trying to trip me (reporting)
Keisha didn't bring her homework (tattling)
Jose has a dirty desk (tattling)
Mohamed's foot is stuck in the fence (reporting)

Story Suggestion:


Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal, by Jeanie Franz Ransom

Mrs. McNeal endured a morning full of squealing-tattling, from her students.  The teacher explains that the kids (piglets), should work out their small problems on their own, and come to her when the problems are more serious.  This book has a humorous touch and has notes at the end of the book to discuss common reasons why children tattle and how to use problem solving skills.

Pledge Page
Print out and have each child sign a pledge page that they will not tattle.