The Good Morning Yarn Web

Sitting in a circle, children roll a ball of yarn across the floor while saying good morning to whoever gets it, weaving a web together that they then move and undo. It builds a welcoming routine, rolling and catching coordination and a sense of togetherness.

How to play

1. In a circle, the teacher holds the loose end and rolls the yarn to a child: “Good morning, Mia!” (1 min).
2. Mia holds the strand, answers “Good morning!” and rolls the yarn to someone who doesn't have a strand yet (4 min).
3. When everyone has a strand, look at the web: lift it, lower it and make waves without letting go (2 min).
4. The teacher sets a stuffed animal on the web and the group moves it around without dropping it (2 min).
5. Undo the web in reverse: each child rolls the yarn back to whoever sent it and says “thank you” while the teacher winds it up (3 min).

Rules

• Roll the yarn on the floor, don't throw it.
• Send it to someone who doesn't have a strand yet.
• Hold your strand without pulling hard.
• Never wrap the yarn around fingers or necks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: hand the yarn to the child and let them hold the strand with a big clip or tied to the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: say their name before rolling and bring the yarn to their hand.
• Autism: say their name first so they know it's coming, and let them pass without speaking if they prefer.

Learning goals

• Greet classmates by name.
• Roll and receive an object with control.
• Feel part of a connected group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Ball of yarn: 1

Teacher tip

Use thick yarn so it tangles less, and watch that no one wraps it around a finger. With 3-year-olds, use a ball rolled without yarn instead.

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