Title – The Tattle Tail Tale

By – Tandy Braid

Primary Subject – Other

Grade Level – Pre-K – 4

Lesson Objectives: Children will be able to distinguish the difference between tattling and reporting.

Materials Needed:

The Tattle Tail Tale

, by Tandy Braid, available from

publishamerica.com

, coloring sheet available from author

Counselortandy@aol.com

, questions regarding the reading, signs to put on back of chairs one saying “TATTLE” the other reading “REPORT”.

Anticipatory Set: Explain to children that tattling can cause different problems in the classroom and that today they are going to learn the difference between tattling and reporting. When a person tattles, their goal is to get someone into trouble. When someone reports their goal is to prevent someone from getting hurt. Tell children that today you are going to read a story to them about a little girl named Matilda who had a very big problem.

Proceed and read

The Tattle Tail Tale

to students.

Follow up with questions regarding the reading to check for understanding.

1. What was Matilda McFaddle’s problem?

2. Who came to the children’s rescue?

3. Who should we leave in charge to handle problems as they see fit?

4. What happened to Matilda McFaddle as a result of her tattling all the time?

5. When you tattle do you make more friends or have less friends?

6. Does tattling interrupt your class activities?

7. When is it important to report?

8. What is the difference between tattling and reporting?

9. Why do you think Matilda no longer chooses to tattle?

Play The Tattle Tail Game-

Set up two chairs, with one sign on one chair that says “TATTLE” and another chair with a sign that says
“REPORT”. Split class into two groups, Team A and Team B (or have them come up with their own name). Explain the game to the children – you will read a question aloud and they have to figure out if it is a tattle or a report and go to the appropriate chair. The team with the most right answers wins.

The Tattle Tail Tale Game -

Decide if this is a tattle or a report…

Michelle fell down on the playground. (R)

Danny won’t play with me. (T)

Julie is trying to trip me. (R)

Randy has a knife. (R)

Joey ran out into the street. (R)

Noah dropped his pencil. (T)

Charlie is talking about beating Mike up after school. (R)

Glen is throwing rocks. (R)

Ashley’s throwing leaves. (T)

Johnnie skipped in line. (T)

E-Mail

Tandy Braid

!