Miss Tattle entered my classroom a few weeks ago when my kids were just getting so nitpicky with each other. It is a clear Chinese container painted black and decorated with yarn and ribbon. The top has a slit.
We spent about a week talking about what a bully is and ways to prevent being bullies and being bullied. We also discussed the differences between a tattle and something serious. So now when Jenny sticks her tongue out at Mary she can write to Miss. Tattle and not bother me with it. We, of course, spent a lot of time role playing using an "I message" and dealing with someone who does something mean. I keep a stack of scrap paper near Miss. Tattle and when the kids feel like they just NEED to tell someone that "Bobby said he won't invite me to his birthday party" they can write to Miss. Tattle. I do read them at the end of the day and not only are they hysterical, they truly are silly tattles so I'm glad I am not being interrupted anymore because Alex took 2 pencils when he was only supposed to take 1. Do you do anything like this in your classroom? How did it work for you?
During my student teaching, another teacher on our team used a "Later Gator" Box for tattle telling. They talked about "now and later" problems and later problems would go in the box. I plan to use this in my classroom this year - just got to make the box.
ReplyDeleteToo cute! I did a "tattle box" one year, nothing fancy, although it did work well. This past year I had so many that wanted to tattle all the time, that I would just hold my hand up and say, "Is this a tattle?", and most kids would smile and walk away!!
ReplyDeleteCute! I'm moving to 2nd next year and just might have to do this!
ReplyDeleteI'm a second grade teacher and I do Tattling Turtle. The kids love him. I put out a stuff animal turtle next to the sheet and the kids will sometimes go over and tell the turtle then right it down!
ReplyDeleteI have used a "problem manager" as one of my jobs. They have to talk to the problem manager about whatever someone is bothering them with and he/she decides it is something I need to know. (blood and guts get immediate attention) I have found MOST of the time, they don't want to tell the problem manager and they go on about their business and I am not bothered either!!
ReplyDeleteMiss Tattle had made my day! I'm not sure what it is about her, but she is hysterical. I think she may remind me of someone I know. I think it is a great idea, and she really is super cute! Usually my 3rd graders aren't that bad with tattling, but I did have to use a tattle notebook a few years ago-until people started tattling about others tattling.
ReplyDeleteI know one teacher that used a whisper phone on her desk and would tell the students.... Go put it onmy answering machine. I have an old dial up that I think I will use.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I think I might use it next year!
ReplyDeleteVery cute idea. Tattling seems to go in phases with groups of kids, and end of the year seems to be a main one! I like the idea of having a place for them to write it down and then I can deal with problems later. I like the now and later idea too that Allyson mentioned. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteStacee
This is so clever and simple. I read the story "Bad Case of Tattle Tongue". This would tie in very nicely.
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I have a "I need you to know...." book and also a positive book where they can tell me something nice someone has done. My Kindergarten children loved it and it was great writing practice. It gave them an opportunity to feel like they were listened to, but it also gave them an opportunity to praise something good!
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