Fun with Character: Lean on Me

Divide the class into groups of 6 or 8 – it must be an even number. Ask each group to stand in a circle holding hands or holding wrists to make it stronger, and count off in order, one, two, one, two, etc. Tell the students that all the “ones” should lean forward when the “two’s” lean back when you tell them to. Remind them to hold on tightly so that they can support each other from falling. Then, ask them to reverse, so that the ones leaning forward will lean backward and the ones leaning backward will lean forward. For younger students, you may wish to start with one group, with the rest other students watching. Then, organize a second circle to do the same. This way, adults and remaining students can stand around the circle to make sure nobody falls.

To process the activity, ask these or similar questions:

• Did you like this activity?

• Did you like depending on each other? Supporting each other?

• Did they think leaning in or leaning out was harder?

• Was it easier to support the other person when they were leaning or standing straight?

• Did you trust the people on either side of you to hold them up? Why?

• What would have happened if someone had dropped hands?

• In real life, how do we lean on each other for support?

• How do we show our loyalty to each other?