Tattling or Reporting? Understanding the Difference

In November, our Kinder and 1st grade students learned how to tell the difference between tattling and reporting, an important skill for keeping our school community safe and solving problems the right way.

We read the story Is It Tattling or Reporting? and practiced identifying different kinds of problems.

What Is Tattling?

Tattling = telling a grown-up about a small problem when everyone is safe.

Tattling often happens when a child wants someone to get in trouble.

Examples from our lesson:

• Telling the teacher someone didn’t help clean up

• Reporting that a friend skipped in line

• Complaining that someone won’t pass the ball

Key idea:
Tattling does not solve the problem and can make others upset.

What Is Reporting?

Reporting = telling a grown-up about a big, serious, or unsafe problem.

Reporting is done to help and protect others.

Examples from our lesson:

• Telling the teacher someone fell and is hurt

• Notifying the nurse that a student has medicine

• Reporting a stranger in the cafeteria
  
  

Key idea:
Reporting keeps people safe and helps adults fix dangerous situations.

Tattling vs. Reporting – What’s the Difference?

Tattling Reporting

Small problem Big problem

Everyone is safe Someone is unsafe or hurt

Trying to get someone in trouble Trying to protect and help others

Makes others upset or embarrassed Makes others feel safe and supported

Before Telling a Grown-Up, We Teach Students to THINK:

• Is this a small problem or a big problem?

• Is someone hurt or unsafe?

• Can I solve this myself?

• Am I helping or trying to get someone in trouble?

• Which grown-up can help me?