Introduction
As educators, it’s important to teach students the difference between tattling and reporting. Tattling is when someone tells on another person for minor rule-breaking that doesn’t harm anyone or put anyone in danger. Reporting, on the other hand, is when someone shares important information with an adult to keep themselves or others safe. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity that helps students understand when it’s appropriate to tell an adult, along with discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for further learning.
No-Prep Activity
For this activity, you can use the following scenario to help students understand the concept of tattling:
Chris and Serena are talking about the delicious cookies they had at lunch. Serena admits that she took an extra cookie, even though they were only supposed to take one. Liz overhears their conversation and decides to tell the teacher.
Read the scenario aloud to the class and ask students to think about how Chris, Serena, and Liz might feel in this situation. Then, discuss the feelings and thoughts of each character as a group. Explain that Liz’s decision to tattle on Serena over a small issue like taking an extra cookie can lead to her friends feeling upset and not wanting to share things with her in the future.
Next, read the scenario again, but this time have Liz respond differently:
Chris and Serena are talking about the delicious cookies they had at lunch. Serena admits that she took an extra cookie, even though they were only supposed to take one. Liz overhears their conversation and thinks to herself, “She shouldn’t have taken an extra cookie, but no one got hurt, so I don’t think it’s a big deal.” She decides not to tell the teacher and joins the conversation instead.
Discuss with students how this different response from Liz leads to a more positive outcome, as she doesn’t upset her friends or damage their trust. This activity will help students understand when it’s appropriate to tell an adult and when it’s better to let small things go.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to know the difference between tattling and reporting?
- How can tattling on others for small issues affect our friendships and relationships with others?
- What are some examples of situations where it’s important to tell an adult?
- How can we decide whether something is worth telling an adult or not?
- How can we communicate concerns about a friend’s behavior without tattling?
Related Skills
Understanding the concept of tattling and when it’s appropriate to tell an adult is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can help students develop healthy relationships and communication include:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding thoughtfully.
- Conflict resolution: Working through disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s feelings and needs in a respectful and confident manner.
Next Steps
To further explore the concept of tattling and other social-emotional learning skills, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our activities and resources. Our materials are designed to support educators in teaching essential skills to elementary students, helping them develop strong relationships and effective communication habits. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your students’ social-emotional learning journey!
