tell it to the ear

there is an ear like this in Chloe's classroom. last year, at orientation, her teachers explained it is to re-direct the tattletales. haven't heard anything about the ear since then UNTIL this week. seems as though Chloe has entered that inevitable stage of tattling and has been instructed to 'tell it to the ear' (often!) it's really quite comical -- her teachers also noted that kids will stand back there and have long dialogues with 'the ear'. perhaps tattling, like confession, is good for the soul? maybe every household needs one!