When getting to know a group of children, it is very important to have the right icebreaker game to get the ball rolling. However, it can be also adapted to adults as well.
This is where “Two truths and lie” comes in handy! This is a fun and engaging game that makes it easier for children and adults to get to know each other and to help you get to know them. They can be as creative as they want with the lie and as honest and as open as they want with the two truths.
Features of Two Truths and Lie Game
| ★ Game Name | Two truths and lie |
| ★ Group size | any |
| ★ Age | any |
| ★ Type | stationary |
| ★ Skill | acting |
| ★ Place | indoor and outdoor |
| ★ Time | up to 10 – 15 min |
| ★ Preparation | no |
| ★ Materials | no |
Aim of the Game
Players tell two truths and one lie about themselves – other players have to guess which statement is the lie.
Group Size
This game works best with a group of 8-10 children, ideally over the age of 5. If your group has over 10 children, then its best if you select a few volunteers of 4 or 5.
Preparation and Materials
An added bonus with this activity is that it requires no preparation, no hassle to set up. However, if we happen to have a group of introverts who won’t start talking, it is good to be on the safe side and have several pieces of paper containing some general truths and lies that would apply to almost anyone and just give them to the children to select which ones to read.
For example, I like ice- cream, I can fly, I have two sisters, my favorite food is pizza, I like salt in my tea, etc.
So have these things handy, because you never know – that awkward silence is never pleasant.
How to Play Truths and a Lie
So how exactly do we play this game? It is very simple, and that’s what makes this game so effective and stimulating.
You select a child and he/she has to say two things about him/herself that are true and one thing that is a lie. The other participants guess what the truths are and what the lie is. The child who guesses right goes next. You repeat the cycle until all children get their turn to tell their two truths and a lie and then get their turn to guess.
If things get a bit stuck, just whip out your previously prepared statements and keep the wheel spinning.
Alternative Variations
This fun game has also an alternative version which is as fun and as engaging. Its name is “Two truths and a dream” where the participants tell two truths and one wish.
The game rules are the same, the playing principle is the same. However, if you play this version, be careful to adapt the wishes to the children’s age when preparing the statements we talked about – the ones you will make just in case you’re working with more introverted children.
In summary, this is an excellent icebreaker for children as well as adults. It takes off the pressure we feel when we need to formally introduce ourselves and puts us in a more playful, carefree mood.