Building Trust Safely

Unit

Teamwork in Motion - Lesson 2 of 10

Duration

30 minutes

Year Level

Years 0-2 (New Zealand Curriculum Phase 1: Years 0–3)

---

Learning Area

Health and Physical Education - Physical Education

---

Lesson Description

Students will engage in trust-building activities including ‘Trust Falls’ and a ‘Blindfolded Obstacle Course’. These activities aim to enhance students’ ability to rely on their teammates and foster a group environment of safety and confidence.

---

Curriculum Alignment

Curriculum Achievement Objectives:

• Physical Education, Level 1 (Years 0-2)
  • Participate actively in a range of physical activities
    Students demonstrate developing confidence and enjoyment in physical activity (Physical Education achievement objectives Level 1).
  • Develop interpersonal skills through group activities and games
    Engage in team and group activities that develop trust, cooperation, and collaboration.
  • Self-management and relationship skills
    Students manage themselves and relate to others to participate in physical activities safely, including recognising trust in others and understanding safety during interactive play.

Key Competencies developed:

• Relating to others: Students learn to trust and cooperate, building effective relationships with peers.
• Managing self: Students develop confidence and manage risk safely in trusting activities.
• Participating and contributing: Students contribute to group efforts and collective safety.
• Thinking: Students reflect on experiences of trust and teamwork in a safe environment.

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the importance of trusting teammates during physical activities.
• Demonstrate developing trust by participating safely in partner and group trust games.
• Communicate with peers to guide and support each other during activities.
• Reflect on their feelings and the importance of safety when relying on others.

---

Equipment Needed

• Soft mats for 'Trust Falls'
• Blindfolds (one for every pair or group)
• Cones or soft obstacles for an obstacle course
• Clear open space, preferably outdoors or a gymnasium

---

Lesson Plan and Timing Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details and Teacher Guidance
0-5 mins	Introduction & Warm-up	Welcome and gather students. Briefly discuss what trust means and how we can work together safely in games. Warm up with simple stretches and a ‘follow the leader’ movement game to build engagement and prepare bodies.
5-12 mins	Trust Falls Exercise	Explain the activity: one student will gently fall backward, trusting their partner(s) to catch them safely. Model the activity with a volunteer. Emphasise clear communication (“Ready?” “Catch!”), gentle catching, and respecting each other's comfort levels. Rotate so all children have a turn falling and catching. Place mats strategically for safety.
12-25 mins	Blindfolded Obstacle Course	Set up cones or soft obstacles. Students work in pairs — one blindfolded, the other guiding verbally. Guide students to take turns being the ‘guide’ and the ‘blindfolded’ partner. Emphasise use of polite, clear language, careful listening, and attentive guidance. Teachers monitor safety closely. Encourage calm, gentle voices and steady walking.
25-30 mins	Reflection & Cool-down	Gather seated in a circle. Discuss questions like: How did trusting your friend feel? What helped you feel safe? Why is it important to listen and help each other? Finish with gentle breathing exercises to calm down.

---

Teaching Tips

• Use simple, clear language aligned with the students' developmental level.
• Give positive, encouraging feedback to all students to build confidence.
• Monitor closely for any discomfort and allow opting-out without pressure.
• Reinforce the importance of kindness, patience, and cooperation.
• Emphasise safety throughout, using mats and controlled space.

---

Assessment

• Observation: Informally assess students’ willingness and ability to trust and support each other during activities.
• Teacher questions: During reflection, listen for understanding of trust and safety concepts.
• Participation: Note engagement and cooperative behaviours in small groups.

---

Links to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh

This lesson addresses the Health and Physical Education learning area, focusing on building foundational interpersonal and self-management skills in Phase 1 (Years 0–3), specifically:

• Participating actively in physical activities that develop personal and social skills.
• Developing positive relationships through trust and cooperation.
• Connecting learning experiences to the key competencies of relating to others, managing self, and participating and contributing 【17:Relating to others†New Zealand Curriculum.html】.

The explicit teaching approach respects Phase 1's critical focus on thriving in supportive environments where students explore physical relationships and learn collaboratively with safety emphasis【8:Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8 (2).pdf】【16:Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8 (2).pdf】.

---

This lesson plan provides a safe, age-appropriate scaffolded approach to developing trust and teamwork while reinforcing key skills from the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum.

If you'd like, I can help with follow-up lessons in the unit or suggest ways to adapt for diverse learners.