Pollinators for Kids: Learn about pollination through yoga poses for kids

A couple of years ago, our family went to explore a pollinators exhibit at our local botanical garden. One of the things that I love about being a parent (and when I was a teacher) is diving into learning about something that you might not have had the opportunity to unless you were with children.

The three of us were immersed in learning about the different pollinators and the importance of these critters to our ecosystem. We talked to experts who had displays on insect pollinators (bees, butterflies, beetles), bird pollinators (hummingbirds), and mammal pollinators (bats, possums, squirrels).

We watched a beekeeper’s honey-collecting demonstration. We walked around the gardens, noticing which flowers were attracting the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. And most importantly, we learned about the importance of creating pollinator-friendly gardens in our backyard.

Most of the plants that provide food around the world require pollination. Essentially, we cannot live without pollinators! So if you’re looking for a way to integrate science and yoga, why not try acting out these pollinators through yoga poses for kids.

For more ways to incorporate science and yoga, don’t miss our Yoga Ideas for Science Class. You can start with these ideas and then encourage your child’s exploration so they can invent new poses.

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POLLINATORS YOGA POSES FOR KIDS

Flowers need pollinators, like beetles, bees, and butterflies, to carry pollen between plants. It’s our job to provide pollinator-friendly gardens to let these important insects and other animals do the pollinating. Try this five-pose flow to learn about pollinators and why they are important to our world. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried yoga before—just jump in and give it a go.

1. Pretend to be a hummingbird.

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 hummingbird flying near a petunia. Switch sides and repeat the steps.

Warrior 3 Pose | Kids Yoga Stories — Warrior 3 Pose

2. Pretend to be a moth.

How to practice Squat Pose: Come down to a squat with your knees apart and your arms between your knees. Touch your hands to the ground. Pretend to be a moth reaching into a sweet-smelling white flower to drink the nectar.

3. Pretend to be a beetle.

How to practice Table Top Pose: Come to an all-fours position with your fingers spread out and palms flat on the ground. Ensure that your back and neck are in a straight but neutral position. Your shoulders should be over your wrists, and your hips should be over your knees, while the tops of your feet are flat on the ground. Pretend to be a beetle crawling on a magnolia.

Table Top Pose | Kids Yoga Stories — Table Top Pose

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. Then bend your elbows and flap your arms. Pretend to be a bee buzzing near a sunflower.

Hero Pose for Kids | Kids Yoga Stories — Hero Pose

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 the wings of a butterfly visiting a zinnia.