One of my favorite ways to teach young learners about pollinators is through hosting a “pollinator workshop.” It combines three of my favorite things: reading books, being outside, and getting my hands in some dirt!
Storytime
Regardless of age, I like to start with a story. We’ve done pollinator workshops with kids as young as pre-k and as old as high schoolers, but I believe you’re never too old to enjoy a beautiful picture book. One of my favorites to read when introducing pollinators is Flowers are Calling by Rita Gray. Not only does it have lovely illustrations of many different types of pollinators, but it also describes how different types of flowers attract different pollinators. A few other favorites are It Starts with a Bee and Magic School Bus Plants a Seed (this one is especially good for older learners as it dives deeper into plant reproduction!)
Scavenger Hunt
After an introduction to pollinators through a storybook, students go on a pollinator scavenger hunt. We had the opportunity to host students at our own property for this, but an arboretum, botanical garden, or any kind of public park or outdoor space with wildflowers will do. We try to plan this for a sunny afternoon as that is when pollinators are most active.
This is a great opportunity for students to observe pollination in action as they watch pollinators travel from flower to flower. Later, we come together and share our findings and observations from the scavenger hunt. We always send them home with the handout to see if they can find any of the pollinators they missed by looking at different kinds of plants and by searching at different times of the day.
Pollinator Garden
The final part of our pollinator workshops is my favorite, and it can be easily adapted to fit your group. We have students create their own little “pollinator gardens” to take home and tend!
Gather Containers
We were given a large number of 6-cell planting trays that we used for our first few pollinator workshops. However, any kind of small container will work. I’ve had the kids collect clean yogurt containers, small plastic cups, and egg cartons, etc. As long as you can poke a drainage hole in the bottom and it can hold soil, it will work!
Select Seeds
We like to use easy-to-grow, low maintenance flowers for the kids’ pollinator gardens. Sunflower seeds are great if the students will eventually have a spot of ground to plant their young seedlings, but for students who will be growing on patios or porches, smaller varieties like marigolds, small zinnias, or even flowering herbs like basil are a good choice.
Planting the Garden
When it’s time to plant, first fill the containers about ¾ full with potting soil. Using the instructions from the seed packet, instruct students on how deep to plant the seed. Always check the package, because planting depths often vary between plants. Once seeds are planted, simply water and have a discussion about caring for the plants as they grow. Once the plant has grown about 2-3 inches high with several sets of leaves, kids can transplant their seedlings into larger containers, or into the ground if they have space.
It’ll be awhile before the kids see any pollinators visit their plants, but remind them to have patience! There’s nothing like seeing that first bee or butterfly land on the plant they have carefully tended themselves, and it’s such a beautiful reminder to do our part to help pollinators thrive.
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