5 Engaging Tattling VS Telling Printable PDF Worksheets for Kids

Kids will learn the difference between tattling and telling with these super fun tattling vs telling worksheets that you can easily print AND use in a matter of minutes. Get FREE posters, reading worksheets and task cards in this post!

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What is tattling?

The reason for tattling is a way to get adults involved in the situation and to help, sometimes it’s just for the attention. The goal of tattling is to stop the behavior by telling an adult or another kid about it.

It’s important to note that teaching kids about tattling is important because it teaches them that they have a voice, and that they can use it to speak up for themselves or for others when they are being bullied.

Kids should be taught that tattling on someone who is being mean or bullying someone else will not result in them being friends with the person who was tattled on.

Tattling VS Telling Kindergarten

My favorite books on teaching kids the difference between tattling and telling:

Bad Tattle Tongue

Don’t Squeal Unless it’s a Big Deal

In fact, the person who was tattle might feel angry and betrayed by the person who told on them.

So it’s important that kids know this before they decide to tattle on someone.

Why should kids learn the difference between tattling and telling?

Kids should be taught that tattling does not make the person who is being bullied feel any better; and that it’s very likely to make them feel worse.

Kids should be encouraged to talk with an adult if they are being bullied, or have been victimized by someone else in order to find a solution.

I love the way Fun a Day outlined some super easy ways to deal with tattling behavior.

I also LOVE the way Pre-k Pages addressed in her post about tattling; and why we should teach this skill explicitly to kids.

Tattling VS Telling Printables

#1 Tattling VS telling poster

Sometimes, kids need direct instructions and visuals to help them learn more about when to tattle and when to report. Below, I’ll outline some FREE resources you can use to help your kids understand the difference between tattling and reporting.

The first resource is one that I’ve created in one bundle to target several tattling vs reporting skills and teaching materials.

#2 Tattling Vs Reporting Cut and Paste Sort with Visuals

One of my favorite ways to incoporate learning in the preschool classroom is to have cut and paste printable activities.

This activity is in the Tattling Bundle, kids will cut and paste the speech bubbles inside the ‘tattle monster’.

Finally, these printable reading worksheets will help kids identify the difference between tattling and reporting.

The worksheets are designed to be used in pre-k to kinder as they are written in an easy format.

#3 Telling vs. Tattling Sorting Cards

I love this tattling vs telling sorting resource from Kelly Witt, it includes some prompt cards where kids will identify whether you should be reporting this behavior or not.

#4 Tattling Vs Reporting Reading

Kids will get the chance to learn the difference between being a “tattle-tale” and being a reporter. They’ll also get to practice this important skill through a bunch of fun activities! Here’s what’s included:

#5 Tattling Vs Reporting Sort Cut and Paste

I love this tattling vs telling sort from First Grade Maestra.

#6 Tattling Vs Telling with Pictures

This is a great way to help kids practice and really get the difference between tattling and telling—especially when there’s a real problem that needs adult help.

It’s perfect for guiding meaningful discussions and giving students the tools to decide when to speak up and when they can handle things on their own. So helpful for building those early social-emotional skills!

#7 A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue Reader

From the author: I put together this quick little activity to use as a check-in after reading A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue with my students. If you end up downloading and trying it out, I’d love to hear how it goes—feel free to leave some feedback and share your experience!

Helping kids understand the difference between tattling and telling isn’t just about keeping the classroom calm—it’s about teaching them to be thoughtful, responsible, and kind.

With the right tools and a little practice, students can learn when to speak up and when to work things out on their own.

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, guiding kids through these moments builds confidence and trust. And honestly? It makes everyone’s day a little smoother. 😊

Got a favorite activity or story you use to teach this? I’d love to hear about it! 👇