Kindergarten Teacher Asked Students to Leave Messages on a Phone. One Tattle Had Her Laughing Out Loud (Exclusive)

**Innovative ‘Tattle Phone’ Sparks Joy in Classroom and Goes Viral**

In an imaginative twist on classroom communication, Laurel Bates, a kindergarten teacher, has introduced a ‘tattle phone’ to her class, capturing the attention of millions online. The initiative, designed to help her young students express their thoughts and feelings, has resulted in a series of heartfelt messages that have gone viral on TikTok, amassing millions of views.

Bates launched the tattle phone during a morning meeting, a daily routine where students discuss upcoming activities. She explained that it served as a means for them to share their observations and concerns while learning the vital distinction between tattling and responsible reporting. “I thought using a phone like this would give students a way to feel seen while also allowing me to engage one-on-one with individual kids,” the 34-year-old educator said in a conversation with PEOPLE.

The students were evidently thrilled by the new communication tool. Bates noted their excitement, adding that many had never encountered a phone resembling the tattle phone before, prompting her to demonstrate how it should be used. “Of course, they were all super excited to use it! I had to show them how to hold it up to their ear and where to talk into it!” she recalled, laughing at the memory.

Before long, messages began to flood in, revealing the innocent concerns of five- and six-year-olds. It was Bates’ mother, another educator, who suggested sharing these endearing snippets on TikTok after she had listened to some of the recordings. Bates has been creating educational content online for over a year, but she had not anticipated the immense reaction her videos would provoke when she uploaded a collection of the clips.

To her astonishment, the video quickly gained traction, garnering over one million views on the very first night. “I think it’s close to six million right now, which blows my mind!” she admitted, astonished by the rapid rise in popularity.

Since then, Bates has continued to post more messages left on the tattle phone, revealing the pure and often humorous perspectives of her young students. When asked to share her favourite message so far, she found it a challenging task. “I love the ones that feel insignificant to adults because they feel so big to kids,” she reflected. One notable message reported a classmate possessing two erasers in their pencil pouch, showcasing the seriousness with which the child approached the situation.

Despite the tattle phone only being a recent addition to her classroom, Bates has observed significant positive changes among her pupils. Parents have also reached out to express their support for the initiative, reinforcing its success. “The phone has helped with so much in my classroom!” Bates stated. “Not only has it given the students an outlet to express themselves, but it has also polished their communication skills, boosted their confidence, and allowed me more freedom to work one-on-one with students with minimal interruptions.”

Through her viral videos, Bates hopes to convey a message about the joys of teaching, particularly amidst various challenges educators face. “I hope people take away from my videos that teaching can be fun!” she remarked. With an inviting smile, she expressed the happiness her students bring into her life, emphasising her desire to share that joy with others.

In the backdrop of increasing concerns about the state of education today, Bates’ innovative approach serves as a refreshing reminder of the positive experiences that can arise in the classroom. The tattle phone has not only sparked joy and laughter among her students but has also resonated with parents and educators across the country, making it a celebrated addition to her teaching repertoire.

As the tattle phone continues to generate interest online, it acts as a symbol of creativity and connection in education. Bates’ whimsical method demonstrates how simple yet impactful tools can enhance communication among young students, ultimately fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.