My daughter is terrified of spiders! My husband has taught her to be afraid of spiders from his upbringing in Australia. With all the poisonous spiders in his homeland, the children are taught to stay away from spiders and to always check dark places before putting their hands inside.
In contrast, growing up in Canada, I was taught to pick up spiders gently and take them outside. So I’m particularly taken aback by my child who freaks out about spiders! I see spiders as part of our ecosystem that need to be taken care of.
So when we moved to New England, where our back yard is full of bugs and insects, my daughter had to get used to the little critters. Our garden is full of dragonflies, ladybugs, snails, bees, butterflies, ants, caterpillars, mosquitos, beetles, and even our resident snakes.
Learning about bugs and insects is such a fun way for children to learn about nature, as well as how to respect other living creatures. My daughter likes to create mini-homes for insects with her neighborhood friends. It’s a good time to talk about what insects need and how to be gentle with them.
5 Insect and Bug Yoga Poses for Kids
Besides exploring the garden, having interesting discussions, and reading books about insects, you could also add movement to your learning. Try these five yoga poses below inspired by bugs and insects that live in our garden. They are listed in a logical sequence to invite flow from one pose to the next. Feel free to use your creativity and add your own insect and bug yoga poses, as well.
1. Pretend to be a dragonfly.
How to practice Warrior 3 Pose: Stand on one leg. Extend the other leg behind you, flexing your foot. Bend your torso forward and take your arms back alongside your body. Pretend to be a dragonfly flying around the garden. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
2. Pretend to be a ladybug.
How to practice Child’s Pose: Sit on your heels, slowly bring your forehead down to rest on the floor in front of your knees, rest your arms down alongside your body, and take a few deep breaths. Pretend to be a ladybug resting on a leaf.
3. Pretend to be a snail.
How to practice Hare Pose: Come to sitting on your heels in a Hero Pose. Slowly place your head out in front of you on the ground. Take your hands back alongside your body. Then lift your buttocks, being careful to not put too much pressure on your head. Pretend to be a snail making its home in the dirt.
4. Pretend to be a bee.
How to practice Hero Pose: Come to rest upright on your heels with your palms resting on your knees. Pretend to be a bee collecting pollen from a flower.
5. Pretend to be a butterfly.
How to practice Cobbler’s Pose: Sit on your buttocks with a tall spine, bend your legs, place the soles of your feet together, and gently flap your legs like a butterfly fluttering around the vegetable garden.
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Free Garden Yoga Poses for Kids Poster
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