This icebreaker game is often called “spider web” because at the end of the icebreaker, a large web of interconnected strong or yarn will be created. You can use this icebreaker to discuss interdependence on one another, picking up the slack for another person, uplifting others, and teamwork.

Description
Sitting in a circle, youth toss a ball of string to someone else in the circle. The person receiving the string must name a quality, item, or something else related to the topic or keyword.

Resources
Ball of string or yarn

Preparation
None

What to Do
In the classic variation of this icebreaker, students introduce their name and one characteristic about themselves before tossing it to another person in the circle. Here’s how it works:

1. Sit the group on the floor in a circle with everyone facing inward toward the center of the circle.
2. Tell everyone your name and one characteristics about yourself. You could also have everyone answer the same a common question like “What is your favorite ice-cream?”
3. Holding firmly to the end of the string, toss the ball of string to someone in the circle who has not yet received the string.
4. The person receiving the string gives his/her name and one characteristic.
5. Then, holding firmly onto the string, he or she tosses the ball on to another person.
6. The string should be held tightly and above the ground at all times.
7. Continue until everyone has received the string at least once and told the group their name and one characteristic.

Variations:

• Use this icebreaker to discuss how the members all depend on each other.
  The first person who receives the string introduces him/herself and role in the organization or group. Then before tossing the ball to another person, tells how he or she is dependent upon that person.

Taking it to the Next Level

1. Have someone in the group pull the string – What happens?
2. Have everyone pull the string tight then cut the string in the middle – What happens?
3. In what ways does this string represent various relationships in the group?

• Our relationships are intertwined and connected.
• If a single person pulls the string it affects everyone in the group to varying degrees, depending on how closely they are connected.
• If one person’s string is cut – the relationship is broken, it affects all.
• We need to support each other and not let others down

Action Point
What is one thing you will commit to do in order to support others in the group?

Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.

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