Margret Stöckler .
"Teacher, he... hid my slippers!" "Teacher, she... won't give him his pen back!"
Do you also know these children who, like little sensation reporters, stand there several times a day and excitedly report that this or that dispute has taken place and that someone said this and that to someone else...?
Most of the time, these "tattletales" are not even directly involved in the conflicts, but they have a very strong sense of justice and a very strong awareness of rules - and perhaps they are also a tiny bit fond of sensations. However, a solution is usually found quickly and we return to class - that's how I know it from my school day. Everything goes well for a while, but suddenly comes the moment when I hear my inner heartfelt education alarm bell ringing: We urgently need our little friend Oups!
What to do when this "tattletale culture" creeps in?
Fortunately, my first graders have already taken little Oups so much to heart that they listen to him with an open heart when he wants to tell them something. And so I brought him to me. What did he have to say to them today?
"Children, our Oups just whispered something in my ear... He thinks there are some children in your class who always run very excitedly to the teacher when there's an argument. Have you noticed that too?
Of course, the children have noticed it, because some are already very angry because they are tattled on so often and may even express their displeasure right away. That's why it's very important now to get the sensation reporters off the hook gently.
"Do you have an idea why some children tattle?"
Oups now explains to the children that these children may want justice and peace and therefore run to the teacher. But he also explains that many children get very angry when they are tattled on and, of course, receives great approval. All children know what it's like to be tattled on.
Together we discuss that there is a big difference between tattling on someone and getting help.
We also clarify the following:
When do I need help? Can I perhaps resolve the conflict all by myself? Who do I go to if I need help?
And it's very important to practice how to "properly" get help...
"Teacher, I need help, we can't do this alone." 
The children quickly fall back into the old speech pattern: "He... did this and that to me..."
This requires a lot of patience, and you may have to remind the children often when they excitedly rush off to tattle - erm - get help!
The song "We know how to make peace" is about how we can avoid conflicts and resolve disputes. Here's a little audio sample.
In addition, in the "Heart Education with Oups" workbook, you'll find a coloring page where the peace tools can be worked on and practiced one by one.
In the companion booklet, the individual steps for introducing the symbols are listed in order, and you will also find the peace tools in large format and color for cutting out and laminating for your classroom.
I look forward to your questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, and experiences! Have fun with Oups!
Here you can see how we created this song together:
