Spinning a Yarn

Name and Purpose

Spinning a Yarn is a sensory getting-to-know-you activity built around touch and storytelling.
Participants practise active listening and self-disclosure in a calm, low-pressure format.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-20 minutes | Indoor or sheltered outdoor space; circle seating on chairs or mats

Materials

1 long piece of yarn or soft rope, pre-tied with knots at irregular intervals (aim for one knot per participant, plus a few extras)
Chairs or mats for comfortable circle seating
Optional: a soft drawstring bag to store the yarn between uses

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Arrange seating in a tight enough circle that the yarn passes hand to hand without dropping
Signal: a gentle double tap on the shoulder from staff = open eyes and pause if needed
If outdoors, choose a spot sheltered from wind so the yarn passes smoothly

How to Play

Staff pre-ties the yarn with knots; aim for one knot per participant plus a few extras spread out naturally.
Group sits in a circle. Participants close their eyes when they feel ready.
The leader starts passing the yarn slowly to the right.
Whenever a person feels a knot in the yarn, they share one thing about themselves: a favourite, a memory, a hope, anything they choose.
The yarn keeps moving. Multiple people may share in quick succession if knots are clustered.
When the yarn has completed the circle, staff signals to open eyes.
Optional second pass: eyes open, share one thing you remember someone else said.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Share freely at every knot, including bonus stories between knots if moved to
S (Support): Pass the yarn gently and listen closely; cheer quietly when others share
Q (Quiet): Share a single word or short phrase at each knot rather than a full sentence
O (Observer): Keep eyes open and observe without sharing; join the debrief when comfortable

Inclusion Adaptations

Participants with tactile sensitivities can hold the yarn through a light cloth or glove
For groups with participants who are non-verbal, pre-agreed signals (a tap, a nod) can indicate a share moment, with staff speaking on their behalf if desired

Stewardship Moment

Wind the yarn neatly after use and store it for future sessions; it is reusable indefinitely
Reflection: “This piece of yarn connected all of us in a circle. What else connects us that we can’t always see?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We’re going to pass a piece of yarn around with our eyes closed. When you feel a knot, you can share something about yourself. For those not comfortable closing their eyes, keeping them open and looking down is another option.”
Mid-game check: Staff watches quietly; if anyone looks distressed, a gentle shoulder tap signals an open-eyes pause.
Opt-out/re-entry: Participants can pass the yarn without sharing at a knot. No explanation needed. They can share at the next knot or simply listen.

Risks and Mitigation

Yarn drops or tangles: keep the circle tight and pass slowly; staff models the pace
A knot lands on someone who freezes: normalise the option to pass with a nod; no pressure
Eyes-closed discomfort in unfamiliar groups: offer the eyes-down alternative in the pre-brief

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Thumb Squeeze”: sitting in a circle, a gentle thumb squeeze travels around as fast as possible with eyes closed
“Sound Map”: eyes closed for 30 seconds; participants listen and then share one sound they heard

Debrief Questions

What? “What is one thing you learned about someone in this circle today?”
So What? “What did it feel like to share something personal without being able to see everyone’s faces?”
Now What? “How could listening more carefully change a conversation you have this week?”

Cleanup and Reset