After participating in an activity that requires trusting a partner, students will share the elements of a trustworthy friendship and reflect on how trust is important in their own relationships.

Instructions

1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Partners sit facing each other with the soles of their shoes pressed against their partner’s shoes.
3. Ask students to reach out and grab their partner’s hands.
4. Ask students to pull their partner’s hands. As they pull at the same time, they should try to pull each other into a standing position.
5. Have participants try this activity with a new partner (start with similar-size partners and then try varied-size partners).

Discussion Prompts

• Why were you able to stand when you pulled each other’s hands?
• What would happen if only one person pulled?
• What kind of changes did you need to make if your partner was taller or shorter than you?
• You relied on your partner to stand. What happens when you cannot rely on a friend?
• What other ways can you show the you are a trustworthy friend?
• Why is it important to have trustworthy friends?