Telling Tall Tales: Understanding the Difference between Fantasy and Reality (Lying & Lies)
Sometimes people tell ‘tall tales’. These are stories that are usually made up but seem real. For example, Gerry the Giraffe once told his friends that he had been to the moon. This was made up but it made him feel impressive and cool.
It is important to note that ‘tall tales’ are not the same as telling lies or lying. This is a normal developmental stage for children to go through. However, it is important to support children to understand what the consequences are of telling ‘tall tales’ and what is motivating them to tell them. Tall Tales can often be a sign of low self-esteem.
This resource forms part of our collection on lies, fibs and lying. All of these resources have been designed to support children with understanding what lying is and why it is important to be honest.
How could this resource be used?
- To support children in understanding what a ‘tall tale’ is.
- To support children to understand what a lie is, the consequences of lying and being honest.
- To support a child 1:1.
Relevant Curriculum Links
England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:
- KS1: H13. how feelings can affect people’s bodies and how they behave.
- KS1: R22. about how to treat themselves and others with respect; how to be polite and courteous.
- KS1: L1. about what rules are, why they are needed, and why different rules are needed for different situations.
- KS2: R15. strategies for recognising and managing peer influence and a desire for peer approval in friendships; to recognise the effect of online actions on others.
- KS2: R30. that personal behaviour can affect other people; to recognise and model respectful behaviour online.
- KS2: R31. to recognise the importance of self-respect and how this can affect their thoughts and feelings about themselves; that everyone, including them, should expect to be treated politely and with respect by others (including when online and/or anonymous) in school and in wider society; strategies to improve or support courteous, respectful relationships.
- KS2: L1. to recognise reasons for rules and laws; consequences of not adhering to rules and laws.
Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):
- I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
- As I explore the rights to which I and others are entitled, I am able to exercise these rights appropriately and accept the responsibilities that go with them. I show respect for the rights of others. HWB 0-09a / HWB 1-09a / HWB 2-09a / HWB 3-09a / HWB 4-09a.
