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3-12: Three Truths and a Lie

For many of us, the first day of school is a little stressful. I teach students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders, and this lesson always gets their attention! (But, I have used this activity with regular education elementary-secondary students.)

First, start out by stating that you don’t allow lying in your class, but today you will make an exception for minor fibs.

Each student is given an index card and instructed to write down 3 things that are true about them, and one that is false, or a fib. They can write anything they want, but encourage them to brainstorm ideas that may be tricky for others to figure out.

Next, have each student read his or her list to the class. Some students will have a hard time getting through their lists without laughing…especially in the elementary grades. But, this is why it is such fun.

Call out numbers 1-4, and have students raise their hands to vote on which number they think was the fib.

I usually do my card as an example before the students start so they can fully understand the idea:

1. I fainted once after falling of my mountain bike because I scraped my knee. 2. I am terrified of clowns. 3. I bungee jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. 4. I once ran 18 miles straight.

The fib is number 3, because I am afraid of heights. Then the students can ask questions about the truths, and it gives the reader a perfect opportunity to talk about themselves.

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