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Trust building activities The success of much cooperative and participatory learning depends upon high levels of trust among participants - and between participants and the facilitator. Many of the activities described in this book require participants to take risks, either physically, mentally or emotionally. They also demand a degree of trust in the facilitator´s judgement and integrity, an understanding that - however puzzling or ridiculous the activity may at first appear - the experience does have a worthwhile purpose. Trust building can only be a gradual and continual process; here are some physical activities which can help. The facilitator should join in whenever possible.
Blindfold Trust Walk Participants divide into pairs. One person leas$ the other, who is blindfolded or has eyes shut, around a freely chosen "course' - this con, include negotiating doorways, steps, between furniture, etc. The leader can use both physical and oral guidance so as to direct and reassure the blind person. The leader can create a fuller experience, particularly if the walk takes place outside, by directing the blind person to touch, smell or taste trees, flowers, edible plants. Men the course has been completed, Participants change roles. This activity con provide a memorable experience as well as helping participants to understand the nature of trust, mis4 trust and dependency. Other issues, such relative importance of verbal and non- verbal communication and the effect of loss of s, participants' sensitivity to the environ be explored in discussion after the activity.
Sitting Circle Participants stand front to back in a fairly tight circle (ala with the same shoulder facing in- wards) and hold the waist of the person in front of them. At a signal from the facilitator, participants simultaneously bend their knees until everyone is sitting on the lop of the person behind. The circle should now be self-supporting. lf it doesn’t work first time, it may be that the group has not formed a proper circle, or participants are standing too far apart. When a self-supporting circle has been achieved, porticiponts can try raising their arms in unison, leaning slightly inwards and raising the outer legs or (very difficult) taking alternate steps with left and right feet. This activity, often viewed in disbelief by some participants, can create a wonderful feeling of group harmony and solidarity. Variation: Sitting circle can also be used as a non-competitive version of musical chairs. Whilst the music is playing participants walk around, in a circle, holding each others' waists; when it stops they al/ sit down.
Trust Fall Participants stand in circles of six to eight people. One person stands fairly rigid in the centre of the circle, feet together and hands by her sides, and allows herself to fall backwards, forwards or sideways. Whichever way she falls, the people nearest to her push her gently into an upright position again so that she can fall in another direction. Everyone who wants to should have the opportunity to be in the centre; having ones eyes shut often helps to make this a pleasurable and relaxing experience.
Human Spring Participants divide into pairs with partners facing each other, about two feet apart, their palms facing outwards at chest level Both partners lean forward simultaneously allowing their hands to meet in the middle and then to push off again so that they spring bock to upright positions without losing their balance. When partners have mastered the technique they might increase the distance between them, or try ¡t with one arm, or standing on one leg.
Blind Explore Participants close eyes or wear blindfolds. Without talking they move slowly and gently around a room cleared of furniture. The facilitator gives a series of instructions for when participants meet each other. For example, 'gently greet them non-verbally, and move on',- 'stop in front of someone and explore her hands (or face),"find out who has the longer hair (or bigger feet),- 'express anger (fear, gentleness) with your hands, etc. The activity ends with al/ participants converging in the centre for a group hug, then opening their eyes. Sources of these activities Human Spring: Matt Weinstein andjoel Goodman, Playfair; Blind Explore: Donna Brandes and Howard Phillips, Gamesters' Handbook-' others: various. The above books offer a range of oth building activities. Others can be foL Priscilla Prutzman et al., The Friendiy C 1 a,@ for a Smali Planet; Jim Wingote, How ti Peace-full Teacher; Larry Chase, The Other c of the Report Card; Pax Christi, Winners A. |
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