by Sarah Duddy
At this week's Lower School assembly, we took some time to talk about the difference between being a reporter and a tattletale. The term tattletale does not have a good reputation. Children feel the negative conotation that comes with the word - they do not want to be thought of as a tattletale by their peers or their teachers. This is an understandable response, typically the term tattletale conjures up an image of someone who tries to get someone in trouble, often repeatedly and perhaps not always for the right reasons.
At EFS, we feel it is important that students not let the fear of being a tattletale inhibit them from seeking help from an adult when they feel they need it. It is our goal to help our students to build strong social skills in a safe environment and in order to do this, we need to be sure that our students understand when it is appropriate to seek help from an adult.
A reporter finds an adult when they or someone else are in trouble and need help getting out of trouble. A tattletale finds an adult to get someone in trouble. Through formal and informal conversations, we work with students to guide them in understanding the difference between the two. We want our students to feel safe and empowered to speak up when they need help.
Parents, please use this language with your children when you are helping them to navigate social situations. We want to be sure that each and every member of our community feels safe and happy during their days at school.
At EFS, we feel it is important that students not let the fear of being a tattletale inhibit them from seeking help from an adult when they feel they need it. It is our goal to help our students to build strong social skills in a safe environment and in order to do this, we need to be sure that our students understand when it is appropriate to seek help from an adult.
A reporter finds an adult when they or someone else are in trouble and need help getting out of trouble. A tattletale finds an adult to get someone in trouble. Through formal and informal conversations, we work with students to guide them in understanding the difference between the two. We want our students to feel safe and empowered to speak up when they need help.
Parents, please use this language with your children when you are helping them to navigate social situations. We want to be sure that each and every member of our community feels safe and happy during their days at school.
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