Classroom Guidance Activity

·         Overview of activity- Children tattle for many reasons. For the very young student the ability to problem solve hasn’t developed yet and they must ask for assistance from adults.  Children have to be taught the difference between tattling and informing for someone’s safety. This lesson plan has been used  successfully three times.

·         Purpose- To teach children when and how to properly inform adults when someone is in danger

·         Intervention Level: Prevention

·         Age group / grade- Preschool through 2^nd grade ages 4 to 8

·         Materials needed-

Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales

By Jeanie Franz Ransom

ISBN: 978-1-59147-239-1

Publication Date: August 2005

Activity- Read book answering questions after reading-10 minutes

Pass out card stock. Have students write a capitol T on one side and an I on the other. Read out loud examples of either an example of tattling (Billy stuck his finger in my ear) or examples of informing (Billy stuck his finger in the pencil sharpener and is bleeding) and have the students hold up either the T or the I side. Time: 20 minutes

·         Follow-up activities with the class- At the next lesson have several students recall examples of either tattling or informing.

·         Alternate lesson plan-   Using the book, A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue, read the book aloud and then explains to the children they are going to play a “baseball style” game. Designate the bases for the children to walk around and then form two teams. Each student is given an example of either tattling or informing and if correct they advance to the next base, but if incorrect they must take their seats. Since the point is to teach a lesson, “outs” aren’t counted but “home runs” determine a winner. This game actually serves two purposes. It reinforces good sportsmanship skills and helps the students learn the difference between tattling and informing.

Materials:

·         A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue

·         ISBN-10: 0974778982

A Magic Wand:  If I had a magic wand and could change one thing, I would change the fact that in most schools, counselors are not only counselors but assistant principals as well and part of their jobs is to be the disciplinarian. In an ideal situation there would be a distinct difference in the job descriptions. If I found myself in the position of having to do both jobs I would work to convince the principal to hire an assistant principal, daily stressing the importance of keeping the jobs separate. I think eventually she would see things my way, if only to get me to shut up and leave her alone. 

Counseling Skills Reflection:

·     Based on your feedback from Tape 1 are you where you thought you were?

    Yes, I know I have a long way to go before I become an effective counselor, but I think I am doing okay.

   What are some things you would like to continue to work on?

I    I have to learn to allow the client time to think and answer in their own time. I know how important this is, but I still feel the urge to rush them to finish a thought or to begin speaking.

      How will you make sure you continue to improve?

    First I will make a conscious effort to slow down, and be clear and concise in what I say and how I say it. I will ask/say what I need to say and then stop talking. I will read forums on how others have solved this issue and talk to more experienced counselors for tips. 

     How will you know once you have improved?

I    I think the only real way to measure improvement on this is if it "feels like" I have improved  I really don't think there is a test that can measure it. 

    What can we do in class to help with your goals?

I I'm not sure there is anything the class can do to improve this situation. I think the only cure is time itself and lots of practice. I think once I have talked to several clients, the situation will resolve itself. 

Bullied student strikes back

My daughter found a video on YouTube that perfectly illustrates a growing trend worldwide. The video is important enough that I have chosen to include it here. Casey is a 15 year old boy who has been bullied since elementary school and one day had had enough. This includes the actual attack, Casey's response and the interview afterward. I think all bullies should see this video to see what could happen if they don't stop their aggression. Casey Fights back