Strategies to Help Battle the Tattles

Tattling can be a really tough thing to fix, especially at the lower elementary level. Every teacher has an issue with tattling at some point. While it’s important to address concerns, excessive tattling can disrupt the classroom. In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite strategies to battle the tattles. *Note: You can find all of the activities listed in this resource that focuses on identifying if a situation is a tattle or report.

Discuss the Difference Between Tattle and a report

First, many times, students don’t really know the difference between a tattle and a report. Having a classroom discussion about the difference between a tattle and report is an essential first step. Tattling is more about getting a student in trouble, whereas a report is informing the teacher about a more serious situation. 💜 Get these posters for FREE! Click here to get them sent straight to your inbox.

Tattling Posters are including in Battle the Tattle Resource

Read Alouds

Read alouds are such an easy way to have discussions about a variety of topics. Here are some books that cover tattling and the difference between tattling and reporting.

Use a sort or Anchor Chart

Sorts are a great way to help student identify if situations require reporting. You can also turn this sort into an anchor chart. Making an anchor chart with your students is a great way to teach and review skills because they are active contributors. This is a great time to review classroom expectations and rules. For instance, one card says, “He drew on my paper.” This is a good way to review your own classroom rules. In my classroom, I always have the students ask the person to stop first. If they don’t stop, then they can come tell me.

*Note: the image just shows a sample. There are 18 sorting cards included in the whole activity.

Another type of sort students can complete is a printable cut and paste sort. These sorts have different scenarios that students will have to identify as either a tattle or report. These are also good whole group sorts because they can guide classroom discussions.

Set Boundaries and Clear Expectations

One of the best strategies I implemented was only allowing my students to tattle during break times. This included bathroom/drink breaks, indoor/outdoor recess, etc. If something was an emergency, they could tell right away. Students were also required write or draw their tattle and turn it in to the tattle cup. The tattle cup would be checked at the end of the day. Having students miss their break to write down their tattle drastically cut back on the tattling. This becomes a hassle for students and they will eventually stop.

What’s Included in the Tattle or Reporting Resource?

Check out the full tattle and report resource here

✅ Printable student book that teaches about the difference between tattling and reporting

✅ Digital version (Google Slides) of the student book that you can display while completing the book with your students

✅ 10 digital scenario slides that can be used to guide classroom discussion about tattling and reporting

✅ 3 cut and paste tattling and reporting practice pages

✅ Anchor charts/posters

✅ Picture sort that you can use in a pocket chart or anchor chart

✅ Song list and book list for supplemental resources

What Other Teachers are saying

⭐️ “My kids have been struggling big time with tattling, and this resource has been a great tool to help refocus their attention. It does a great job setting expectations of when we tell the teacher and when we deal with the problem on our own.” – Abigail W.

⭐️ “Loved the hands on and practical use of this product. The students really enjoyed learning about tattling and reporting.” – The Teach That Taught (TPT Seller)

⭐️ “This social skills lesson was a great resource for my students. My students enjoyed it, and the social story was set up well. I’ve used this resource for multiple years in my class.” Miss Meg’s Special Learners (TPT Seller)

Tattle and report sorts available in the full set

I hope these strategies were helpful to help your classroom battle the tattles. Don’t forget to grab the FREE POSTERS that will be sent straight to your inbox!

💜 Anna

*Please note that the book links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.