In this friendship game preteens learn names and get to know friends better. They also discuss friendship while linking themselves together with yarn.
This low-energy friendship game lets tweens get to know each other. Plus, it requires no prep!
Friendship Game: Get to Know Each Other
You’ll need:
- skein of yarn
Have preteens sit in a circle.
Say: When it comes to friendship, the first step is knowing people’s names. Let’s play a game that helps us see this. I want each person to say your name loudly. Then we’ll all say “hello” to this person using his or her name.
After everyone has greeted each other, explain that you want preteens to say their names again. But this time kids will also share their favorite hobby. For example, someone might say, “My name is Sara and I like horseback riding.” Then the group will respond, “Hello Sara. You like horseback riding.”
Show kids the skein of yarn. Have one person comfortably tie the yarn to his or her wrist.
Tangled in Friendship
Say: Our friendship is growing! We’re really getting to know friends better now! Everyone has heard each other’s name and favorite hobby. [Name] will begin by saying either a person’s name or hobby. When you hear your name or hobby, hold up your hand so the yarn can be tossed to you. When you catch the yarn, wrap it around your wrist a few times.
We’ll keep saying names or hobbies until everyone is holding the yarn. If someone calls your name, then say your hobby when you catch the yarn. If someone calls your hobby, then say your name.
