The Yarn Web That Holds the Teddy

Sitting in a circle, children roll a ball of yarn across the floor to each other and, holding on to their strand, weave a web together on which they gently rock a stuffed animal. It's a calm-down with slow movements, and kids feel that the web only holds if everyone holds on.

How to play

1. We sit in a circle; the teacher holds the end of the yarn and rolls the ball to a child, saying their name (1 min).
2. The yarn travels child to child; each one holds their strand and rolls the ball to someone who doesn't have one yet (2 min).
3. Once the web is done, the teacher very carefully sets the stuffed animal on top (1 min).
4. We raise and lower the web very slowly while breathing: up as we breathe in, down as we breathe out, rocking the teddy (2 min).
5. The teacher winds the yarn back up while each child gently lets go of their strand when they hear their name (1 min).

Rules

• I hold my strand without pulling.
• We roll the yarn on the floor, no throwing.
• We move the web slowly so the teddy can sleep.
• I let go when I hear my name.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they join from their wheelchair with the strand wound around a short stick to grip it better.
• Autism: they can hold the strand with a clothespin if they don't like the feel of the yarn.
• Visual impairment: the child rolling the yarn says their name and “Coming!” and touches the strand to their hand.

Learning goals

• Bring energy down with slow movements and breathing.
• Feel the group holding something up together.
• Call classmates by name.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Ball of yarn: 1
• Stuffed animal: 1

Teacher tip

Use thick yarn in a tightly wound ball so it doesn't tangle. Teach rolling rather than throwing, and keep kids from wrapping the strand around their fingers.

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