Truth Teller Characteristics and Expansion of Portrait Subject List
Brainstorming
Each student creates a list of qualities she/he/they thinks are important for a truth teller, e.g. moral courage, honesty, integrity (Remember, brainstorming is just that, no comments, just list the qualities)
Share the list with the class — list duplicate characteristics only once
Allow each student to vote for six (6) qualities using either a marker or colored dot stickers or virtual checkmarks
Tally votes
Students will use these qualities as a guide in selecting their own community truth tellers
Brainstorming Community/Local Truth Tellers
One person at a time suggest people who are American Truth Tellers in their state or community
Record list on chart paper
After the brainstorming is finished, ask each student to explain or write a brief essay about why s/he nominated the truth teller – use qualities and actions and beliefs as evidence
Lesson expansion possibilities:
Ask students to research their chosen truth tellers, e.g. local newspaper articles, online posts, or interviews with the truth teller
Use the creative arts to present this person to the class, school, or community, e.g. portrait, piece of music, spoken word, collage, dramatic piece