Kindergarten teacher Laurel Bates came up with a clever idea to help her young students communicate better. She introduced an old phone into her classroom and called it the “report phone.” Children could pick up the receiver anytime they wanted to share something important with her. The simple setup quickly became a favorite activity because it made the kids feel truly heard.
Bates carefully explained the rules when she first showed them the device. She taught the difference between tattling on minor things and reporting situations that really needed an adult’s attention. At 34 years old, she wanted to give each child a chance to speak without constant interruptions during group time. Many of the preschoolers had never seen a traditional phone with a cord before. She had to demonstrate how to hold the receiver to their ear and where to speak into it.
The children jumped at the opportunity right away. They lined up eagerly to try out the phone and leave their little voice messages. Bates recorded some of the funniest and sweetest ones. Her mother, who also works as a teacher, encouraged her to share the clips on TikTok. What started as casual posts soon exploded in popularity with millions of views from people around the world laughing and melting over the kids’ innocence.
@laurelbates It was a very busy day for the tattlephone! #teachersoftiktok #teacher #kindergarten #kindergartenteacher #tattletail ♬ Famous Mozart's Turkish March(872150) – East Valley Music
One message stood out as her absolute favorite. A little boy called in completely seriously to report that someone had two erasers in their pencil case. Bates could not help but chuckle at how convinced he was that this counted as urgent news she needed to know. She loves these kinds of reports the most because they highlight how small details feel huge to children. To adults these moments seem trivial but to the kids they carry real weight and importance.
The phone has only been in use for a few weeks but the benefits are already clear. Parents have responded positively and appreciate the creative approach. Bates notices that it builds the children’s confidence in expressing themselves. It also sharpens their communication skills in a playful way. For her the biggest win is having more focused one-on-one time with individual kids since fewer interruptions happen throughout the day.
@laurelbates Soo much was going on today 😵💫😵💫 #teachersoftiktok #teacher #kindergarten #kindergartenteacher #tattletail ♬ Carmen Habanera, classical opera(1283412) – perfectpanda
She hopes her TikTok videos shine a light on the joyful side of teaching young children. The heartfelt and hilarious messages remind everyone how pure and earnest preschoolers can be. The old phone has turned into a tool that fosters better listening on both sides.
What is the funniest or sweetest thing your child has ever reported to you or a teacher? Share your thoughts in the comments.
