December 2018 - Grade 3: Rumors, Gossip

This December, third graders are listening to the story Trouble Talk by Trudy Ludwig. By third grade, children are beginning to forge their own friendships at school (independent of their parents) and making choices about those friends. Conflict is inevitable in most relationships, and it's important to educate children about how to resolve differences in a healthy manner. Too often, kids will whisper, gossip and even gang up on each other by using 'the silent treatment', spreading rumors or other hurtful behaviors. This story illustrates the sometimes destructive ways in which we attempt to reach out to others to form connections and gain attention.

From sharing negative information (“Did you hear about...?) or information that isn’t necessarily ours to share (“Guess what I heard?”) or by offering unsolicited opinions or advice (“No offense but…”) children learn that having information to share can be powerful and exciting.

This is also how rumors start, gossip ensues and feelings get hurt. In our school environment, we endeavor to have every child feel empowered to speak up in positive ways and learn to be better communicators and friends. The purpose of this lesson was to enlighten students to the consequences of gossiping, lying, spreading rumors and sharing others’ information.

The class had a productive discussion about the issues raised in the story. I would encourage you to continue these conversations at home.