Choose a stuffedbear or other animal to listen to children’s complaints and tattles. Explain that when you are busy they canalways tell Teddy their problems. He’s always there waiting to be their friend.
Here’s anothergreat idea for tattle tales. Put a photograph of the President on your wall and say, “I’m just yourteacher. Why don’t you tell thePresident?” You won’t believe it,but the children will walk over and talk to the picture!
You can also putan old cell phone on your desk for children to tell their concerns. Explain that you’ll listen to yourmessages at the end of the day.
Or, get a spiralnotebook and write “Things the Teacher Needs to Know” on the cover. When children come to tattle hand themthe book and say, “Write it all down and don’t leave out a thing.” If they say, “I can’t write,” respondwith, “Well, just draw a picture and don’t leave out a thing!”
One of my favoritestories about tattle tales came from a teacher many years ago. When her students tried to tattle she’dsmile and say, “I’m sorry. Today’snot tattle tale day. Wait untilMay 14th and then you can tell me.”
Another teachersaid she used the concept of an Oreo cookie for tattle tales. The child reporting had to say one nicething, then the tale, then another nice thing.
Hope one of theseideas will work for you!!!
