This historical figures two truths and a lie game is a fun way to learn about historical figures with students, teens, and adults! Use it as an introduction to these historical figures or just a fun break from traditional learning!
Traditional Two Truths and a Lie Game
One of the most popular party games is two truths and a lie. I can almost guarantee you’ve played it or at least heard of it.
I mean it’s so popular, they even played it on an episode of Schitt’s Creek – or at least they tried to anyway.
The normal game is used a getting to know you game. Everyone comes up with two truths and one lie about themselves. You tell the group your three statements and they try to guess which one is the lie.
Honestly, it’s not my favorite game mostly because I can never come up with good truth and lie statements for myself. I just don’t have a super interesting background so my statements are always pretty lame. I mean other than the fact that I have about 200 fun board games.
BUT I love the idea of the game and wanted to do something fun with the idea that wouldn’t put people on the spot to come up with interesting statements about themselves.
This historical two truths and a lie game is the first in a series of printable two truths and a lie games that I’m going to share that you can use at parties, in classrooms, on Zoom calls, or whatever you’re doing in 2020.
How to Play
I’ve created a printable that has names of people and three statements about each of the people. Two of those statements are true and two of those statements are false.
There are a couple of ways you can use the printable to play a fun history game!
1 – Everyone Fill It out
The first way is the most straightforward. Give everyone a copy of the print out and have them circle which of the three statements they think is the lie.
Once everyone is done, go over the answers together. The person with the most answers correct wins.
You could also just print out one (for you) and read the statements to everyone. They’d record them on a piece of blank paper then same thing, go over them all together at the end.
2 – History Around the World
The next version turns this into more of an interactive movement game if you want to combine history and PE into one fun learning activity. This is inspired by one of our favorite outdoor games.
This is an easier alternative to the above option since they are going to be trying to avoid the lie and picking the truth instead.
You (or whoever is reading) stand in one corner of the room. Label one corner answer 1, one corner answer 2, and one corner answer 3.
Read the first statement and give everyone 10 seconds to run to the corner that is associated with one of the two true statements read. This is different than the one above where they’re choosing the lie – here they are trying to pick out one of the true statements.
People tend to know truths more than they know lies, so they’ll be more likely to be able to get this right.
Now you have two choices. The first is to tell everyone the answer and anyone who is in a true corner gets a point (they keep track of their own points). Person with the most points at the end wins.
The second option is to play it more of a knock out option where if you’re in a corner that’s the lie, you’re out of the game. The next round only the people who are in the true corners, stay in. Continue playing until everyone but one person is knocked out.
Tip!
One rule – once you get down to less than four people left playing, there must be one person at least at each of the corners. So people need to choose their corner fast as the first one to get there gets to stay there.
3 – Speed Round
Okay this last version is also more of an interactive option and a speed round option instead of the slower paced versions above.
For this one, you’ll read out the statements one by one and as soon as someone thinks they know the correct answer, they’ll either run to you and tell you the answer OR raise their hand.
You do need to be paying attention to see who raises their hand first (maybe get someone to help you).
If they get the answer correct, they get the point for the round. However, if they get it incorrect – they not only don’t get a point, but they are out for the next question. This will hopefully help people from just putting up their hand and guessing every single question.
The first person to get the correct answer wins the point for that round. Most points at the end of the game wins.
Prize Options
Depending on what you’re using this for, it’s always fun to have a prize for the winner! I’ve put together some fun historical figure themed prize ideas to get you started!
- Any of these Who Was? books
- A Hamilton musical gift (I mean it’s inspired by Alexander Hamilton!)
- Historical figure socks
- This day in history calendar
- Deal or Duel historical card game
- Way back in history game
More Educational Games
Want more fun learning games to play in the classroom or at home? These are some of my student’s favorites!
- Spelling games
- Math dice games
- 25 fun math games
- Fun reading activities for kids
- 1st grade learning games
Download the Printable
Enter your first name and email address in the form below to get the printable PDF. You will receive a link to download the PDF to your email within minutes.
If you do not see the form, click here to get to it.
If you do not see the email immediately after you fill out the form, make sure to check your promotions, spam, and junk folders!
The file will include:
- Instructions
- Two sheet PDF game
- Two sheet PDF game with answers
Leave a Comment