Tell It Like It Isn’t Game
Every now and then people will contact me with a question about how I did this requirement or that. One question I have received a few times is “What are the rules for Tell It Like It Isn’t for Tiger Achievement 4?”
The instructions can be found in the Tiger handbook, but I think sometimes as den leaders we look at something and think it must be more complicated. Tell It Like It Isn’t is the game most of us know as Telephone. Yes, it really is that simple.
Tell It Like It Isn’t
- Have the Cub Scouts sit in a circle.
- The first Cub Scout whispers something in the next Cub Scout’s ear.
- He whispers what he thinks he heard in the next Cub Scout’s ear.
- This continues around the circle until it is whispered to the last Cub Scout. He says what he heard.
- The first person says what the phrase really was.
- Continue with a few additional phrases, letting somebody different go first each time.
Notes:
- Take the suggestion in the Tiger handbook that you use this to start a discussion about how things we hear might not always be accurate and especially how this applies to gossip. This is definitely a teachable moment.
- Rather than just letting the first Cub Scout make up something to say to the second, I always provided some index cards with some phrases. This served two purposes. First, when the whispering stops, the first Cub Scout can look at the card to remember what he said. Yes they sometimes forget that quickly! Second, it ensures that they will be passing a phrase which is appropriate instead of something inappropriate.
Categories: A Game with a Purpose
Please share some of the example phrases that you used. This is my second year as a Tiger from 3 years ago but i do remember that what few kids i had that year had a good memory and did not change the phrases around at all so it made it hard to use as an example.
by Jessica Tyree on Feb 22, 2012 at 8:51 AM
You can use Cub Scout phrases like “Do your best” or anything really. The old Tiger motto “Search, discover, share” was one we used. If those are too easy, give them some longer sentences: “I am a Tiger Cub Scout and I have fun”. “Let’s go out on a hike”. If you want to get a little silly, add one like “My den leader is awesome” or “Den chiefs make Cub Scouting more fun”.
by Scouter Mom on Feb 22, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Hmm. Ok I was thinking they should be longer so that they would actually make the mistake of telling it wrong. I like them though thanks for your website and your quick response . You have helped a lot.
by Jessica Tyree on Feb 27, 2012 at 8:47 AM
If you need to forecast, forecast often.
Real riches include the riches possessed inside.
by Samuel Mauter on Mar 10, 2012 at 7:29 PM