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Truth and Trust

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Lesson Plan

Truth and Trust Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on attention-seeking behaviors, recognize instances of dishonesty, and practice truthful communication through guided reflection and role-play.

Building authentic communication and trust strengthens relationships with peers and adults. This targeted support helps the student understand underlying needs and develop honesty as a tool for connection.

Audience

11th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Self-reflection and role-play to practice honesty

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Check-In

2 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and reinforce confidentiality
  • Explain the session’s focus: honesty and building trust
  • Ask how they’re feeling today

Step 2

Self-Reflection

4 minutes

  • Provide the Self-Reflection Worksheet
  • Prompt the student to:
    • List recent moments when they sought attention
    • Note what they said or did, and rate how truthful they were (1–5)
    • Identify underlying emotions driving those actions

Step 3

Role-Play

5 minutes

  • Explain that role-play helps practice honest responses in real time
  • Use scenarios from the Role-Play Scenarios Handout
  • Take turns: teacher plays peer or adult, student responds truthfully
  • After each mini-scene, give quick feedback on honesty and clarity

Step 4

Debrief and Commitment

4 minutes

  • Refer to the Discussion Prompts Sheet
  • Ask:
    • What felt challenging about being fully honest?
    • How did honesty change the scenario?
  • Have the student choose one action to practice this week (e.g., pausing before speaking, admitting a small truth)
  • Praise effort and schedule a brief follow-up check-in session
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Worksheet

Self-Reflection Worksheet

Student Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions

Take a few minutes to think about recent situations when you sought attention. For each moment, answer the prompts below thoughtfully. Use the space provided to write honestly.

Moment 1

  1. Describe the situation (where, who was there, what was happening):





  2. What did I say or do to get attention?





  3. On a scale of 1 (not honest) to 5 (completely honest), how truthful was I in that moment?
    Honesty Rating: __
  4. What emotion was I feeling underneath my actions?





Moment 2

  1. Describe the situation (where, who was there, what was happening):





  2. What did I say or do to get attention?





  3. On a scale of 1 (not honest) to 5 (completely honest), how truthful was I in that moment?
    Honesty Rating: __
  4. What emotion was I feeling underneath my actions?





Moment 3

  1. Describe the situation (where, who was there, what was happening):





  2. What did I say or do to get attention?





  3. On a scale of 1 (not honest) to 5 (completely honest), how truthful was I in that moment?
    Honesty Rating: __
  4. What emotion was I feeling underneath my actions?





Reflection Questions

  1. What overall patterns or common themes do you notice about when and why you seek attention?










  2. How did honesty (or lack of honesty) impact how these moments played out?










  3. Think of one small change you could make next time to communicate more truthfully. Describe what you would do differently:










Reminder: There are no right or wrong answers—this is your personal reflection to help you build trust through honesty.

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Worksheet

Role-Play Scenarios Handout

Use these scenarios to practice responding honestly in real time. One person plays the peer or adult, and the student practices giving a truthful response. After each mini-scene, write your response below and reflect on how honest you felt.

Scenario 1: The Missed Hangout

Your friends confront you after they find out you skipped the weekend hangout. They say you told them you were busy, but you went somewhere else.
Role-play prompt: Respond truthfully to explain why you weren’t there.

Your Honest Response:





How honest did I feel? (1–5): __ Why?





Scenario 2: The Unfinished Assignment

A teacher notices you haven’t submitted your homework and asks why. You previously said you forgot, but there’s more to the story.
Role-play prompt: Practice telling the real reason and taking responsibility.

Your Honest Response:





How honest did I feel? (1–5): __ Why?





Scenario 3: The Errand With Grandma

Your grandparent called and asked if you ran the errands they requested. You told them you did, but you didn’t.
Role-play prompt: Practice admitting the truth and offering to fix it.

Your Honest Response:





How honest did I feel? (1–5): __ Why?





Scenario 4: The Rumor at School

A friend asks if you heard a rumor about a classmate and encourages you to share details—even though you aren’t sure it’s true.
Role-play prompt: Respond honestly about what you know and set a boundary.

Your Honest Response:





How honest did I feel? (1–5): __ Why?





Tip: After each scenario, notice how being honest changed the interaction. Use these reflections to build trust and confidence in real conversations.

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Discussion

Discussion Prompts Sheet

Use these questions to debrief your role-play practice and make a plan for honest communication going forward. Take your time to think and write honestly.

  1. Which scenario felt most challenging to be honest in? Why?





  2. How did responding honestly change the outcome or how you felt in the scene?





  3. What thoughts or emotions came up when you practiced honesty?





  4. How could you use honesty next time you feel the urge to seek attention?





  5. Commitment: Choose one honest action to practice this week (for example, pausing before speaking or admitting a small truth). Describe when and how you will do it:










  6. Who will you share your commitment with to help you stay accountable?





Reminder: Honest communication takes practice. Celebrate your efforts and plan a brief follow-up to reflect on how it went.

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Slide Deck

Truth and Trust

15-minute support session
Building authentic communication and trust.

Greet the student warmly, reaffirm confidentiality. Introduce the session as a safe space focused on honesty and trust.

Session Objectives

• Reflect on recent attention-seeking moments
• Practice honest communication
• Create a personal plan to build trust

Explain what we’ll accomplish together. Invite any quick questions before starting.

Materials

Hand out the worksheets. Explain the purpose of each: reflection, role-play, and discussion.

Step 1: Self-Reflection

  1. List 2–3 moments you sought attention
  2. Rate your honesty (1–5)
  3. Identify the underlying emotion

Guide the student through the Self-Reflection Worksheet. Encourage honest, thoughtful answers. Monitor time (~4 min).

Step 2: Role-Play Practice

• Take turns playing peer/adult and student
• Use scenarios from the Role-Play Handout
• Practice a truthful response
• Rate your honesty after each mini-scene

Explain role-play rules. Choose a scenario, take turns, and provide quick feedback on honesty and clarity.

Step 3: Debrief

Reflect together:
• Which scenario was hardest to be honest? Why?
• How did honesty change the feeling or outcome?
• What emotions or thoughts came up?

Use the Discussion Prompts Sheet to debrief. Ask open questions and note key responses.

Step 4: Commitment

• Choose one honest action to practice this week
• Describe when and how you’ll do it
• Identify who will hold you accountable

Help the student choose a clear, manageable action. Record commitment details and accountability.

Closing & Next Steps

• You did great work today!
• I’ll check in next week on your commitment.
• Remember: honesty builds lasting trust.

Praise the student’s effort. Confirm confidentiality. Schedule the brief follow-up check-in.

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