Children identify ways that bees help us and plant pollinator gardens to help the bees in return.

How can I help the bees?

LESSON 6

  • Seeds or flower starts, here are some I recommend: Bee balm, Butterfly bush, Lavender, Coneflowers, Sunflowers, Salvia, Milkweed (great for monarchs as well), Goldenrod, Penstemon, and Phlox.

  • Soil

  • Pot (optional)

Materials

Preparations

  • Gather materials for activity

  • Promote empathy and care for natural world

  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for bees and pollination

  • Encourage active participation and engagement

  • Provide opportunities for children to ask questions

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children learn the importance of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem

  • Children learn different types of plants that attract bees

  • Children gain an appreciation for the natural world

  • Children develop a sense of responsibility towards protecting pollinators

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Grab some paper and crayons and color together. 

  • Practice fingerplay “Five little bees,” with actions you came up with together.

Five Little Bees

One little bee flew and flew

He met a friend and that made two

Two little bees as busy as can be

Along came another and that made three

Three little bees wanted one more

Found one soon and that made four

Four little bees going to the hive

Saw their little sister and that made five

Five little bees working every hour

Buzz away bees and find another flower

Activity Flow

  1. Begin by reflecting on the end of your previous lesson. Ask your child if they remember why pollination is so important. Talk about how much we as humans benefit from bees and pollination. Not only do we get delicious honey from bees, but we also get fruits, vegetables, and flowers because of pollination. Discuss your favorite fruits and vegetables to eat, and express gratitude for the bees.

    Optional activity: Taste test the different types of honey straws. Talk about the different flavors, and that depending on where a bee collects nectar, it can change the taste of the honey. Then talk about how we are so lucky to be able to enjoy this sweet treat from the bees, and express gratitude again for their hard work and how we benefit.

  2. Tell your child that because bees do so much to help us, you wanted to do something to help them. Show them the plants/seeds and ask if they know what they will be doing. Work together to plant flowers or sow seeds for the bees. Here is a list of great pollinator plants:

  • Bee balm

  • Butterfly bush

  • Lavender

  • Coneflowers

  • Sunflowers

  • Salvia

  • Milkweed (great for monarchs as well)

  • Goldenrod

  • Penstemon

  • Phlox

Remember that providing a variety of plants with different blooming times throughout the growing season will help support pollinators year-round. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using pesticides and provide a water source like shallow dish or birdbath to create an inviting habitat for bees and butterflies. 

  • Nectar: Bees are attracted to flowers that produce a lot of nectar and will actively seek out flowers for their nectar because it is their food source.

  • Color: Bees are drawn to specific colors, particularly blues, purples and yellows.

  • Shape and Size: They are also attracted to specific shapes, such as tubular or funnel shaped blooms that are well suited for their feeding mechanisms.

  • Scent and Pollen: Bees are also drawn to scents of flowers, their UV pattern (invisible to the human eye), and the pollen availability. Some flowers produce more pollen than others.

4. As you are planting, talk about the different flowers/seeds you are planting and why they will attract the bees. 

5. Thanks for giving back to the incredible honeybee and other pollinators by planting flowers for them to enjoy!