Social Skills

This month in "Social Skills" we are going to be working on the concept of "Tattling". These activities are based off the book, "A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue". If you are interested in purchasing the book for your home library you can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Case-Tattle-Tongue/dp/1931636869

Tattling can take away from teaching time, cause conflict and discomfort, and can socially disable students. When a student's perception of right and wrong combines with their need for attention and "duty to inform," tattling is often a result.

The activities we will be focusing on this month with give students a "hands on" opportunity to apply and process the four tattle rules:

Rule #1: Be a Danger Ranger: If a person or animal is in danger, you must warn someone!

Rule #2: Be a Problem Solver: If the problem involves you directly, take charge and try hard to solve it yourself first.

Rule #3: Now or Later: Is the problem a "Now" problem or a "Not Now" problem? Can your problem be solved at a later time?

Rule #4: M. Y. O. B. (Mind Your Own Beewax!): If the problem is not dangerous and it does not involve you... Do Not Tattle!

I will be making a poster of the rules later this month, so if you need to use these rules in your home you can post the poster.

Hopefully, the Tattle Rules offer students effective strategies to help them understand the differences between tattling and warning. They also can empower students to become more effective problem solvers and improve their social relationships with peers.

Next Wednesday the class will be making "Tattle Rocks". It is a small rock that the students will decorate and set on top of the desk to remind them not to tattle. Each paint color we use will represent feelings that are associated with tattling.

Red-Anger
Orange-Anxiety
Blue-Sadness
Yellow-Happiness
Green- Guilt
Purple- Loyalty/Honor

If you could please have your child bring in a rock the size of their fist or a little bit larger by next Tuesday that would be greatly appreciated. As always, let me know if you have any questions.