Yarn Web Reflection Circle
Students sit in a circle and roll a ball of yarn to one another, holding on to the strand and sharing one thing they learned or enjoyed in class. The growing web connects the whole group while practicing recall, active listening and a positive class climate.
How to play
- Seat the whole class in a wide circle, legs crossed and an arm's length apart; take three slow breaths together before starting (1 min).
- The teacher holds the loose end of the yarn, shares one thing learned today and rolls the ball across the floor to a student on the other side.
- The receiver holds the strand with one hand, shares one short sentence about something they remember from class and rolls the ball to someone who hasn't had it yet (4 min).
- Once everyone is holding the yarn, the group looks at the web in silence and the teacher asks them to make it gently taut by leaning back slightly, without pulling (1 min).
- To undo the web, each student rolls the ball back to the person who sent it and repeats out loud what that person said, reviewing the lesson in reverse (2 min).
Rules
- Roll the yarn along the floor; never throw it at anyone's face.
- Only the person holding the yarn talks; everyone else listens and looks at the speaker.
- Don't yank the yarn, and never wrap it around fingers or wrists.
- Try not to repeat exactly what the previous person said.
Variations
Easier
Each student just names one game or exercise they liked today.
Standard
Each student shares something learned or enjoyed, then recalls a classmate's answer while undoing the web.
Harder
When receiving the yarn, students must repeat what the two previous people said before adding their own idea.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student joins from a wheelchair or chair in the circle and a neighbor places the yarn in their hand.
- Shy students or students with autism: allow a "pass" or let them hold up a picture card of their favorite activity.
- Fitness level: with a very tired group, replace the sentence with a gesture that shows their favorite exercise.
Learning goals
- Recall and put into words what was practiced in class.
- Listen actively to classmates' contributions.
- Lower heart rate and close the lesson with a positive group climate.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ball of yarn: 2
Teacher tip
If it drags with 25 students, run two circles with two balls of yarn. Wind the yarn loosely and knot-free before class, because it tangles easily when you undo the web.
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