Building trust among kids is essential for their social development and teamwork skills. Here are three engaging examples of trust-building exercises that are perfect for children, whether in a classroom, at a camp, or during a group activity.
Context: This classic exercise encourages kids to support one another and build confidence in their peers. It’s perfect for groups of any size and can be done indoors or outdoors.
In this activity, one child stands with their back to a partner. The child then falls backward, trusting that their partner will catch them. Start with small falls, gradually increasing the height as the kids become more comfortable with the exercise. Make sure to emphasize communication and safety throughout the activity.
Notes & Variations: To enhance the exercise, you can have the child close their eyes before falling or create a circle of partners where they can trust multiple teammates to catch them. Always ensure that the catching partners are prepared and positioned correctly to prevent any injuries.
Context: This exercise is designed to help children work together and communicate effectively. It can be set up in a gymnasium, playground, or a safe outdoor space.
For this activity, set up an obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, or other safe items. One child is blindfolded and must navigate through the course with the help of their teammates’ verbal instructions. The teammates stand outside the course and guide the blindfolded child by using clear, specific directions.
Notes & Variations: After one round, switch roles so that everyone gets a chance to be blindfolded and to guide. You can also add challenges like timing how quickly the child can complete the course or introducing distractions to test communication skills further.
Context: This exercise promotes open communication and vulnerability among kids, making it suitable for team-building sessions or group therapy settings.
Gather the kids in a circle and ask them to share something personal, like their favorite memory, a fear, or something they love. After sharing, encourage the group to respond positively or share similar experiences. This helps kids to feel heard and understood, creating a bond of trust within the group.
Notes & Variations: To make the exercise more engaging, you could use prompts or questions to guide the discussions. Consider introducing a “talking object” (like a stuffed animal) that only the person holding it can speak. This encourages active listening and respect for each person’s turn to share.
These examples of trust-building exercises for kids not only foster essential social skills but also create a supportive and trusting environment for children to thrive in together.