Web of Names

Name and Purpose

Web of Names shows the group that they are connected, not just standing in a circle.
The reverse round builds both name memory and the habit of paying attention to others’ stories.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 15-25 minutes | Outdoor or indoor circle space; avoid strong wind outdoors

Materials

One large ball of twine or soft yarn (ensure it reaches everyone without running out; test length beforehand)
Optional: a second ball of twine as backup
Flat, clear ground

Quick-Run Card

Group stands in a circle. One person holds the end of the twine.
They say their name, call another person’s name, and gently toss the ball while holding their end.
Continue until everyone holds a section and a web is formed.
Reverse: last person says their name and a fact, rolls their section back up, passes to the next person.
Continue rolling back until the ball is whole again.

Setup and Boundaries

Form a circle wide enough that the twine does not tangle when tossed.
Signal: one raised hand means pause and hold your section tight; two claps means release and gather.
Check for trip hazards; the twine on the ground can catch feet if the circle is too tight.
Avoid strong outdoor wind, which can tangle the web quickly.

How to Play

Everyone stands in a circle.
One person holds the end of the twine ball, says their name, calls someone else’s name, and tosses the ball to them while keeping hold of their end.
The receiver holds the twine taut, says their name, calls a new name, and tosses.
Remind players that it is always fine to ask someone’s name before calling it.
Continue until everyone holds a section of the web and the ball has reached the last person.
Reverse round: the last person holding the ball says their name and one fact about themselves. They roll up their section and pass the ball back. Each person does the same, rolling and sharing, until the ball is whole again.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Toss the ball with energy, track the web as it builds, help keep lines taut.
S (Support): Help a neighbour hold their section when the ball is in flight.
Q (Quiet): Stand calmly and hold the twine steady; share a simple fact in the reverse round.
O (Observer): Watch the web form from outside the circle; join in for the reverse round.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who find throwing difficult can hand the ball directly to a nearby player, who then passes it along the outside of the circle to the intended person.
Players with limited grip strength can hold a small loop tied into the twine instead of bare string.

Stewardship Moment

Roll the twine back neatly and store it for next time; a well-kept ball of twine lasts hundreds of sessions.
Reflection: “The web you made is a physical picture of your group. What would happen to it if one person let go?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We will be tossing a ball of twine and building a web together. For those not comfortable with catching, having a neighbour catch and pass your section over is a great option.”
Mid-game check: After the web is formed, pause for a moment. “Look around: how does everyone feel about the web we made?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can hold their section without speaking during the forward round. They can share their fact during the reverse round when they are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Twine tangles or knots when tossed carelessly: coach gentle underhand tosses and straight lines across the circle.
A player lets go and the web collapses: normalise it as part of the game; regather and rebuild from that point.
Trip hazard from sagging twine: remind players to hold their sections at waist height.

Warm-Up Suggestions

Name Wave: go around the circle with just names first, so everyone hears the full group before the twine comes out.
Fact Warm-Up: ask players to silently think of one interesting fact before the reverse round begins.

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened to the web as more people joined? What changed?”
So What? “What did it feel like when you were waiting to be called by name?”
Now What? “What is one name you want to make sure you remember from today?”

Cleanup and Reset