A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue

This book presents a creative means of teaching young children how to decide the difference between tattling and letting an adult know when someone is in danger. With humor, empathy and good illustrations, the story is engaging. Josh doesn't have friends because he tattles on everyone, even his dog. Josh's dream about a bad case of Tattle Tongue offer a creative way of addressing the time-consuming tattling-related issues that often sap classroom energy and thwart teaching opportunities.

Classroom extensions: Cut out paper tongues and decorate them to make our very own tattle tongues. Spend time discussing the difference between reporting an issue and tattling to get somebody else in trouble.

Anyone who 'Battles the Tattle' (parents, teachers, counselors, etc.) will appreciate this humorous and amusing means of addressing tattling vs. telling and the issues that surround them which often deplete adult energy and undermine goals and priorities. "Josh the Tattler" wakes up with a long, yellow tongue covered in itchy purple speckles after he is compelled to report the actions of peers, siblings and even his family pet ad nauseam. Will he learn his lesson and recover from this case of the Tattle Tongue?

A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook is a creative means of teaching young children how to decipher the difference between tattling and letting an adult know when someone is in danger. This is a book with humor, which wold keep the attention of boys who frequently need more motivation to read. The illustrations are sure to catch any reader's attention.

Summary: tattlerNobody likes a tattle tell! JoTattler chronically tells on his classmates, his family, and even his dog. Tattle Tongue is what will happen if you tattle too much. Josh wakes up one night to find out that he has a bad case of the tattle tongue. His tongue is long yellow and has purple dots all over it. The book goes on, and the consequences of tattling only get worse. The book's objective is to teach kids how to report issues rather than to tattle on somebody to try and get them in trouble. For instance, the dog chews up the family rug and instead of tattling the Josh is encouraged only to report the damaged carpet to his parents rather than to lay blame on the animal as it was "not on purpose."

Personal Reaction: I show more enjoyed the book. However, there were several instances where I thought telling a grown up about the issue would have been appropriate. One instance is when Johnny is pushed in the lunch line and instead of tattling he gains a new friend, and they sit together at lunch.

Classroom extensions:
Cut out paper tongues and decorate them to make our very own tattle tongues!
Spend time discussing the difference between reporting an issue and tattling to get somebody else in trouble. show less

Teaches kids when it is right to speak up and the difference between tattling and being helpful and safe. Tattle tongue is when you tattle and your tongue gets itchy, scratchy, twitchy and spotted. If someone is in danger, you must be a danger ranger and tell an adult.

this book is about a boy named josh who seems to have to tattle on everyone, because of that nobody in school wanted to be around him. but then after his mom talks to him about tattling he begins to understand, and later understands the difference of tattling and warning.

ages- 3-6
source- pierce county library

This supplementary teacher's guide will give your students a "hands on" opportunity to apply and process The Four Tattle Rules. It can help children become effective problem solvers and improve their social relationships with peers. Through discussion questions and exercises, you'll be able to help your students fully understand the differences between tattling and warning.