3 Stretches and 1 Truth

• In advance of the activity, cut out each of the individual response cards so that each student receives one.

1. Ask each student to compose a list of interesting information about themselves that they would be comfortable sharing with the group.

2. Suggested topics include:

   1. • • Unique facts about themselves or their family members

        • Memorable encounters or feats

        • Favorite activities or hobbies

3. Have each student submit their completed list, with their name written at the top.

4. Select four students to come to the front of the room. Make sure that you have one of the selected student’s lists in front of you. 

5. Read one of the pieces of information from the selected student’s list (e.g., “One of these individuals broke their arm after trying to jump out of a tree.”).

6. Give each student 30 seconds to prepare their story.

7. Then, give each student one or two minutes to tell the story related to that piece of information. Three of the students will be making up their stories, while one will be telling their real story.

8. Using Student Handout Stretches and 1 Truth Response Card, have all of the other students in the class identify who they think was telling the truth by holding up their response cards and pointing to the number (1–4) associated with that person. Then, have the student who was telling the truth raise their hand. 

   1. • • The first student in line is #1, the second student in line is #2, the third student in line is #3, and the fourth student in line is #4.

9. Repeat these steps with a new group of four students. 

10. Close the activity with a debrief, either verbal or written

• Create a list of general statements on chart paper. For example:

  1. • • I have had a broken bone.

       • I have been to the ocean.

       • I have caught a fish.

       • I have been snow skiing.

       • I have helped cook dinner.

• Give each student three sticky notes and have them copy their name on the sticky side of each one.

• Help students place up to three sticky notes next to statements that are true for them.

  1. • • The names on the sticky notes will be facing the chart paper in order to keep the names top secret from the class.

• Select a statement and up to four students to come to the front of the room. Make sure that only one of the students will be telling the truth.

• Give students several minutes to prepare their story.

• Allow students time to collaborate with a partner or in small groups.

• Provide a visual outline to students for telling a story.

To increase rigor:

• Allow a few students to ask a clarifying question about the story to help them determine who is telling the truth.

• Have students prepare a written story, which can be the truth or a stretch. Provide each person in the group one minute to ask clarifying questions in order to determine if the story is the truth or a stretch. Allow the group to vote.

To integrate technology:

• Use a feedback tool, such as Poll Everywhere, for group voting