Friendship Web Lesson Plan
Friendship Web
Building a Stronger Community Together
Grade 1
WHY THIS LESSON?
Students participate in a 'Friendship Web' activity where they sit in a circle and pass a ball of yarn while sharing kind words. This creates a physical web symbolizing connection and community, helping students understand the value of kindness and teamwork.
Time Required
25 Minutes
Objective
Promote kindness and teamwork
Materials Needed
- Large ball of bright yarn (soft wool recommended)
- Kindness Reflection Worksheet
- Open space for a classroom circle
Teacher Tip
"Model a few specific compliments before starting. Instead of just 'you are nice', try 'I like how you always share your crayons' or 'You are a good listener'."
Procedure
Step 1 5m
The Warm-Up
- Gather students in a sitting circle on the carpet.
- Discuss the concept of friendship and how kind words (compliments) act like "invisible glue."
- Introduce the ball of yarn as a way to show our invisible connections.
Step 2 15m
Weaving the Web
- The teacher holds the end of the yarn and models a compliment for a student.
- Hold your piece of yarn tight, then roll/pass the ball to that student.
- Continue: Each student holds their part of the yarn string and passes the ball to a peer they haven't complimented yet.
- Rule: Everyone must get the yarn exactly once.
Step 3 5m
Reflection & Discussion
- Look at the web! Discuss how it looks like a net that supports us all.
- Gently place the web on the floor and transition to the Kindness Reflection worksheet.
- Focus on: "How did it feel to be noticed and thanked?"
Friendship Web Reflection Worksheet
Our Kindness Web
Reflecting on our classroom community
Name:
Date:
How did it feel to receive a compliment today?
Draw a picture or write a few words about your feelings.
What did you learn about your classmates?
What is something new you found out about a friend?
Why is it important to be kind to others?
How does kindness help our whole class?
Friendship Web Discussion Guide
Friendship Talk
Activity Discussion Guide
Teacher Resource
"After the yarn web is complete, keep students in their circle. These questions are designed to help students bridge the physical connection of the yarn to the emotional connection of our classroom community."
How did it feel to receive a compliment?
Encourage students to express their emotions. Do they feel "warm inside," "happy," or "proud"? Relate these physical feelings to the experience of being noticed by a friend.
PROBE: "Did your heart feel a certain way when your name was called?"
What did you learn about your classmates?
Guide students to share new insights or positive traits they discovered. This helps solidify that everyone has unique strengths that contribute to the web.
PROBE: "Was there a compliment that surprised you or made you see a friend in a new way?"
Why is it important to be kind to others?
Discuss the impact of kindness on friendships and the classroom environment. Explain that just like the yarn web, our kindness holds us together so no one feels left out.
PROBE: "What would happen to our web if we weren't holding onto our pieces carefully? How is that like being unkind?"
Facilitation Tips
Keep it brief; Grade 1 students have limited sitting time after an active game.
Validate all emotions (even if some students felt shy or nervous).
