My Motto

Decide on your own personal words to live by after studying slogans and mottoes used by modern and historic leaders.

• 1.

  U.S. President Harry S. Truman went from being a store clerk to president during a trying time in American history. Find out about how the course of U.S. history changed during the Truman presidency.

• 2.

  A motto on Truman's White House desk reminded him of what was important and showed others what motivated his decisions. His motto was "The Buck Stops Here." (On the other side, the sign said, "I'm from Missouri.") What do you think that motto meant for him and his administration? Research this and other famous mottoes such as "liberté, égalité, fraternité." What other convictions guide leaders' decisions?

• 3.

  What ideas drive your actions and behaviors? What qualities are important to your family? What are your religious beliefs? How do you make important decisions? Discuss your ideas with friends or family. Sum up your own life's motto in a one-line slogan similar to these famous mottoes.

• 4.

  To make a motto sign for your desk, fold a rectangular piece of heavy paper such as oak tag in half, and then in half again. Use Crayola® Colored Pencils to write your motto in large, fancy letters on both sides of the middle sections. Decorate the words with symbols if you like.

• 5.

  Fold the two end sections underneath to form a standing triangle. Seal with a Crayola Washable Glue Stick.

Benefits

• Children study Harry S. Truman's presidency of the United States, and his famous motto.
• Students locate mottoes and slogans used by people today and in the past.
• Students write a motto to encourage their own positive behaviors, attitudes, and decision making.

Adaptations

• Older students debate a controversial topic, such as Harry Truman's toughest decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. Use your own mottoes to support your positions.
• Examine a familiar motto such as "In God We Trust." Is it still appropriate for the U.S. today? Why? If not, what would be more fitting?
• Select a classroom motto using a democratic process. Outline actions the class will take to live up to that motto.