BARTIMAEUS SEES	Grades 1-2

Blindfolded Trust Walk
Kids are blindfolded to simulate the blindness of Bartimaeus and they learn that they can trust others with confidence. They will remember that Jesus makes them bold and confident, like Bartimaeus.

Spark Resources:
None

Supplies:
Bandanas or scarves

Set-up: 
Decide where you will lead kids on the trust walk. There should be no dangerous obstacles or places they could hurt themselves.

Instructions:
In today’s story, the blind man, Bartimaeus, heard Jesus coming and called out to him. He was bold and confident that Jesus would hear him and respond. Sometimes, we have to be bold and confident, too. Here is an activity in which you can be confident and bold as you try to do something that may be uncomfortable and challenging. We are going on a Trust Walk. First, all of you kids will put on blindfolds. Next, the leaders are going to lead you on a walk in the classroom and in the hallway. All of the leaders will keep you safe. Let’s try.

Blindfold the kids and line them up behind you. Respect kids who do not want to be blindfolded. Let them just close their eyes or help the adults keep everyone safe. 

Put your hands on the shoulders of the person in front of you. Listen to my voice so you will hear any instructions. Lead the kids on a safe walk around your classroom and out into the hallway. Use your judgment about how long to keep the kids blindfolded. 

Gather back in the classroom. Now you can take off your blindfolds. We’re back in the classroom. Let’s all sit down. Tell me what you thought about that experience. What did you like? What was hard about it? How was it to be blind like Bartimaeus? How did you have to be bold and confident?

If you have less time …
Go for a shorter walk as time permits. Be sure to save some time to talk about the experience afterward. 

If you have more time …

Talk a longer walk. Ask some additional questions afterwards. Why do you think Bartimaeus called out to Jesus? What did he hope Jesus would do? How can you bold when you ask things from Jesus?