For the trust run activity, find a large open area, preferably outside in soft grass, and tell each child to find a partner. One partner is blindfolded and led around the open area by the hand of the other partner, known as the leader. Ask the leader to periodically change paces from a slow walk all the way to a brisk run while leading the blindfolded partner by the hand. Have the partners switch roles and try the whole exercise again. This activity teaches children to place their trust in the hands of their classmate, relying on them to safely lead and act as their sight.
The trust lean, a variation of the trust fall, is a great way to teach preschoolers to trust their classmates. Place the children in groups of three or four. Have one child turn around and lean backwards into the arms of the rest of his group, rotating so that each child gets a chance to do the lean. Before beginning the trust lean, show children the most effective way to hold their arms out in order to catch the child that is leaning backwards. Tell the groups to be extremely careful and allow them to stand a short distance apart to avoid any sort of injury.
Creating short and simple speeches is an exercise meant to teach preschoolers to trust not only in their classmates, but in themselves as well. Instruct the preschoolers to think of something special about themselves that they would like to share with the rest of the class. They can share about their families, pets or favorite activities. Allow each child to stand up in front of the class and share whatever they chose. After everyone shares, lead a class discussion about how it felt to stand up in front of the entire class. Was it scary? Did they feel trusting of one another during their speeches?
Odds and evens is trust-building activity that needs an even number of children all standing in a circle together. Go around the circle and assign each child the number "one" or "two." The ones are "odds" and the twos are "evens." Tell the group to hold hands and step back until their arms are stretched out at their sides. On the signal each "even" must slowly lean forward as each "odd" slowly leans backward, both without bending at the waist. The groups rely on each other to keep from falling. At your signal, the groups can switch and try leaning the other way. This activity teaches preschoolers that in order to succeed, everyone must trust each other to correctly do his part.