Truth Teller Characteristics and Expansion of Portrait Subject List

1. 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)
2. Share the list with the class — list duplicate characteristics only once
3. Allow each student to vote for six (6) qualities using either a marker or colored dot stickers or virtual checkmarks
4. Tally votes
5. Students will use these qualities as a guide in selecting their own community truth tellers

Brainstorming Community/Local Truth Tellers

1. One person at a time suggest people who are American Truth Tellers in their state or community
2. Record list on chart paper
3. 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
4. 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