One of my favorites books for teaching the difference between tattling and telling is A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue. I read this book at the beginning of each school year and throughout the year when my students need a gentle reminder.
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue is about a young boy named Josh who doesn't have many friends. In fact, everyone at school called him "Josh the Tattler." His mom grew tired of the tattling and warned him of getting tattle tongue. With the help of Tattle Prince, Josh learned the difference between tattling and telling! You can learn more about the author, Julia Cook, by clicking the book cover below.
I love this book because it describes scenarios that happen in all of our classrooms each and every day. Sometimes it can be very hard for students to distinguish when they need to tell or when it is best to solve the problem on their own and the examples Julia included illustrate it very clearly. I really like the Tattle Prince's Tattle Rules--what a great way help our students become independent and proactive problem solvers!
I've created a visual reminder that I display in my classroom. When I notice a student that is just dying to tell me something I remind them to look at the poster to make sure that they really need to tell me.
There are lots of great ideas to curb the tattling in classrooms. Some teachers have a stuffed animal that students can talk to, students can "tell the shell" and whisper into a conch shell, or create a tattle pledge that all students sign to remind them of their responsibility in contributing to the caring classroom.
What are your tips and tricks for dealing with tattling in your classroom?
Thank you so much for sharing the poster and the collection of books! Unfortunately, I need several of those stories to read to my class this year! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Great poster! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteExcellent poster, thanks! Some children really seem to have trouble with coping when other people aren't doing what they "should" (according to the child).
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome poster, thank you so much for sharing it! I just translated it into German, and it will find its way into my classroom in some days! :-)
ReplyDeleteGREAT IDEA THANKS SO MUCH, I WILL TRY THIS BOOK AND POSTER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2014 SCHOOL YEAR!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI love your poster and need it for my classroom. But, unfortunately when I try to download it I get an error message. Is there another way that I can get it?
Thank you!
Great idea, thanks for sharing the poster!
ReplyDeleteI have a "tattle book" the kids can use to write down their problems. I promise I will read each report by the end of the day. Half the time the 'problem' is gone. Reports become less frequent quickly! Too much work to write...ha!😃
ReplyDeleteI have a "tattle book" the kids can use to write down their problems. I promise I will read each report by the end of the day. Half the time the 'problem' is gone. Reports become less frequent quickly! Too much work to write...ha!😃
ReplyDelete