Two Truths and a Lie: Active Life Edition
In groups of five, each student says three statements about their relationship with physical activity, two true and one false, and the others have to spot the lie. It's a calm game that brings the group together and breaks down assumptions about who plays sports.
How to play
- Form groups of five sitting in a circle; each student silently comes up with three statements about their active life: sports, challenges, injuries, habits (1 minute).
- The first student says their three statements in a neutral voice, such as: "I've run a 10K, I'm on a chess team, I've never ridden a bike."
- Each of the others gets one question within 20 seconds, then everyone votes at the same time by holding up 1, 2, or 3 fingers for the lie.
- The speaker reveals the answer; each correct guess earns a point for the guesser, and each fooled player gives a point to the speaker.
- Rotate until all five have had a turn (5 minutes), then the teacher asks students to share a truth that surprised them (1 minute).
Rules
- Statements must be about physical activity, sports, or health, never about classmates.
- No one has to share anything personal they don't want to.
- Everyone votes at the same time so no one influences the others.
- Respect every experience; no making fun of skill levels or interests.
Variations
Easier
Play in pairs with no scoring.
Standard
Groups of five with questions, simultaneous voting, and points.
Harder
All three statements must include a number, such as times, distances, or how often per week.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play seated with no changes; set the circle at the height of the student's wheelchair.
- Hearing impairment: sit in a tight circle and let each student write their statements on a card.
- Shyness: the student can write their statements and have a classmate read them.
Learning goals
- Learn about classmates' varied experiences with physical activity.
- Question stereotypes about who plays sports and how.
- Build group cohesion in a relaxed setting.
Teacher tip
Start with your own example using a believable lie to hook the class. It works great early in the year or after a tense lesson to bring heart rates down and improve the mood.
PatioLab has "Two Truths and a Lie: Active Life Edition" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More cool-downs for High School
5-5-5 Breathing with Visualization
A breathing technique where students inhale, hold and exhale for five counts each while picturing a peaceful place.
5-Minute Breathing Mindfulness
A short, teacher-guided mindfulness practice focused on the breath and body sensations.
90/90 Hip Switches
A floor sequence based on the 90/90 position, with one leg in front and the other to the side, both bent at right angles, to stretch the glutes and hip rotators.
Active Isolated Stretching with a Rope
A stretching method where students contract the opposite muscle, hold the stretch for only two seconds with help from a rope, and repeat 8–10 times.
Active Listening Partner Debrief
Sitting face to face, each student talks for 90 seconds about a challenge from class while their partner listens without interrupting and then paraphrases what they…
Active Recovery Technique: 5-Min Easy Jog
Active recovery with 5 minutes of very easy jogging where the pace drops each minute until students are walking, followed by a pulse check.