Web Weaver Facilitator Guide Web Weaver Guide
A Therapeutic Group Activity for Emotional Regulation
The Goal
To visually demonstrate how a support system works. Students will practice sharing "Calm Tools" and recognize that they are connected to others who can help them stay calm.
The Secret of the Web
Read this to students before starting to explain what the yarn represents:
"This yarn isn't just string—it's like an invisible bridge that connects us. When we hold onto it, we are showing that we are part of a team. The web we are about to make represents our Safety Net . Just like a real spider web is strong because all the threads work together, our group is strong when we follow our rules and share our calm ideas. If one person helps, the whole web stays steady!"
Group Sequence
1. Check-in & Group Expectations
The Check-in: Use a "Feelings Weather Report." Ask each student: "If your feelings were the weather today, would you be sunny, cloudy, rainy, or a thunderstorm?"
The Rules: Review the Group Agreement Poster . Focus on "One Voice" and "Safe Hands" to ensure the yarn activity stays focused and safe.
2. Ice Breaker: The Calm Cloud
Tell the group we are all sitting inside a giant "Calm Cloud." Everyone must take 3 deep "Cloud Breaths" together. Then, play a quick round of "If you've ever..." (e.g., "If you've ever felt frustrated, touch your nose"). This builds common ground.
3. Building the Web
Use the "Secret of the Web" explanation from above before you begin.
The counselor starts with the yarn. Say one thing that helps you stay calm. Visual Aid Support: If a student is stuck, point to the Calm Tools Anchor Chart for ideas (CBT/DBT techniques like Grounding or Square Breathing).
Hold the string and toss the ball to a student. Repeat until the web is formed.
4. The "Wobble" & Reflection
Test the tension of the web. Explain how each person holding their string represents following group rules and supporting each other. If one person lets go, the whole "safety net" gets weaker.
Discussion Questions
• "Which Calm Tool from our poster was your favorite?"
• "How does it feel to know you are connected to other people who can help?"
• "What happens to our 'web' when we use kind words?"
Support Web Worksheet My Support Web
We stay strong when we stay connected!
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Our Group Rules
How do we help each other stay safe and calm?
1
2
3
Draw Our Web
Draw the string connecting everyone in our group today. Put yourself in the center!
Who helps me stay calm?
At School:
At Home:
Calm Tools Anchor Chart My Calm Tools
What can I try when my feelings get BIG?
Square Breath
Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4.
5-4-3-2-1
Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear...
Kind Thoughts
Tell yourself: "I am safe. I can handle this feeling. I am okay."
Lemon Squeeze
Squeeze your hands tight like lemons, then let them go soft.
Happy Place
Close your eyes and imagine somewhere safe and quiet.
Cool Down
Take a sip of water or splash cold water on your face.
Choose one and try it now! You've got this!
Group Agreement Poster Group Agreement
Keeping Our Web Strong & Safe
One Voice
We listen while others are sharing.
Kind Words
We use supportive language with everyone.
Safe Body
We respect personal space and stay in our "bubble."
Respect the Yarn
No pulling, snapping, or tangling the string.
Web Secrets
What we share stays safe inside our group.
We are better together!
Square Breath Worksheet Square Breathing
A tool to help my body feel calm and ready.
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
How to use your Square:
Start at the Star. Trace the line with your finger as you breathe!
Breathe In
1... 2... 3... 4...
Hold It
1... 2... 3... 4...
1... 2... 3... 4...
Breathe Out
1... 2... 3... 4...
Hold It
Before Breathing
Not Calm
Okay
Very Calm
(Color in the circle that matches your feeling!)
After Breathing
Not Calm
Okay
Very Calm
(Did your feeling change? Color it in!)
