Social Graces - Tattle Tale! Tattle Tale!

The Book - Tattlin' Madeline by Carol Cummings, Ph.D.

Before I dive into my review, I just have to say that the characters' lack of pupils freaked me out a little. My sister - who is a elementary school counselor and recommended this week's books - is probably rolling her own eyes at me right now. But, seriously, would drawing a little dot for a pupil hurt? Besides crazy all-whites eyeballs, the illustrations are nothing special. The story, however, is extremely useful in teaching the difference between Tattling and Reporting.

Little Page is a huge tattletale. She's not vindictive; she simply must see justice prevail at all times. I've tried to explain to her that no one likes a tattletale, but all my conversations with her were not nearly as productive as going through this little book.

Madeline is a tattletale and as a result doesn't have any friends. When her teacher sees her crying about it one day, she explains the difference between tattling and reporting. A tattletale tells on her friends to get others in trouble or to give herself attention. A reporter goes to an adult when someone could get hurt or property damaged.

One reading of the story and a short talk afterward, and Little Page seemed to get it!

The Craft/Game - Tattling or Reporting... which is it?


What you'll need...

1. 2 paper plates
2. paint
3. construction paper
4. glue
5. glue gun
6. un-sharpened pencil

For the game, we'll make an auction placard. Have your child decorate the back of the plates with paint or markers. Draw an R (for reporter) and a T (for tattler) on colored paper and let your child cut them out. Glue the letters on the plates and then hot glue the plates together. Insert a pencil as a handle before the glue dries.

For the game, present your child with different scenarios. For example, your child is playing with his friend when his friend refuses to share a toy. Your child runs and tells you that his friend isn't sharing. Is that tattling or reporting? Or... Your child sees his little brother pick up a knife. He runs to tell you. Is that tattling or reporting? To answer the question, have your kid flash his sign with the right letter.

Little Page loved this game, and I was impressed with how many times she got it right!