Trust Toss Game

Purpose: Build trust and relationship skills through cooperative tossing and catching with verbal cues and praise.

Materials:

• Soft ball or beanbag
• Cones or tape to mark partner spots

Setup:

1. Mark pairs of spots about 5 feet apart using cones or tape.
2. Assign each student a partner and have them stand at the marked spots facing each other with one ball per pair.

Instructions (10 minutes):

1. Round 1 – Toss & Catch (5 minutes)
   • Student A holds the ball and says “Ready?” before tossing gently.
   • Student B replies “Ready!” and catches the ball.
   • After each catch, both say a word of encouragement (e.g., “Great catch!”).
   • Switch roles every 5 tosses so both practice tossing and catching.
2. Rotate Partners (2 minutes)
   • After 5 minutes, rotate partners so students work with new classmates and build trust in the wider group.
3. Round 2 – Quick Catch Challenge (3 minutes)
   • Continue with new partners but increase the pace of tosses.
   • Encourage pairs to use partner names (e.g., “Sarah, ready?”) and celebrate successes.

Guidance for Teachers:

• Model clear verbal cues: say “Ready?” before tossing and “Got it!” after catching.
• Praise specific efforts: “I like how you asked ‘Ready?’ before you threw, great teamwork!”
• Prompt reflection during rotation: “What helped you trust your new partner?”
• Highlight positive moments: ask a few pairs to share how encouragement felt.

Reflection Questions (at end):

• How did saying “Ready?” help you feel more confident?
• What did it feel like when your partner praised you?
• How do words help us build trust?

Partner Puzzle Challenge

Purpose: Strengthen nonverbal communication and teamwork by assembling a puzzle without speaking.

Materials:

• Small 24-piece jigsaw puzzle (one set per pair)
• Resealable baggies (to hold each puzzle’s pieces)
• Tables or clear flat surfaces
• Timer or stopwatch (optional)

Setup:

1. Place each puzzle’s pieces into a sealed baggie.
2. Arrange pairs at tables with one baggie and timer each.

Instructions (15 minutes):

1. Silent Puzzle Solve
   • Partners open their baggie and work together to assemble the puzzle without speaking.
   • Use only gestures, eye contact, and pointing to show pieces or positions.
   • Take turns placing one piece at a time—no talking, just nonverbal cues.
2. Teacher Circulation
   • Walk around and prompt pairs: “What gesture could you use to show that piece fits here?” or “How can you show your partner it’s their turn?”

Debrief & Reflection (5 minutes):

• Ask each pair to share one nonverbal strategy that helped them succeed.
• Discuss challenges of communicating without words and how they solved them.
• Connect to real-life teamwork: “How could you use these silent signals next time you help a classmate?”

Reflection Questions:

• What gestures did you use to let your partner know which piece to pick?
• How did it feel to complete a task without speaking?
• What nonverbal skills will you try in other teamwork activities?

Friendship Reflection Journal

Reflect on your teamwork and trust-building activities from today. Complete each prompt with words or drawings.

1. My Teamwork Moment

Think about a time today when you worked with a friend or classmate. Write about what happened, who you were with, and how you helped each other.

2. Draw Your Cooperation

Draw a picture of you and your partner playing a game or solving the puzzle together. Show how you communicated or encouraged each other.

3. How I Felt and What I Learned

What did it feel like when your partner praised you or you made a team promise? What is one thing you will remember about working together?

Bonus: Share your reflection with a partner and tell them one thing you’re proud of today!