Butterfly Nets and Pollen
Butterflies cross the meadow to collect pollen from the flowers and carry it back to the hive while the nets, partners holding hands, try to catch them. Students practice running and dodging, moving in sync with a partner, and strategy.
How to play
- Mark an 80 x 50 ft meadow. At one end place 6 hoops with bean bags inside (the flowers), and at the other end a bucket (the hive) where the butterflies start (2 min).
- Pick 3 pairs wearing pinnies to be the nets; they always hold hands and may tag only with their free hand. Everyone else is a butterfly.
- On the whistle, butterflies cross, grab one pollen bean bag from a flower, and bring it back to the hive. They can make as many trips as they want in 2 minutes.
- If a net tags a butterfly, the butterfly drops the pollen in the nearest flower and returns to the hive to go again.
- If a pair lets go of hands, their tag doesn't count. At the end of the round, count the pollen in the hive: that is the class score.
- Switch the nets each round and try to beat the class record. Play 6 rounds (14 min).
Rules
- Nets can tag only while holding hands.
- Butterflies carry one bean bag per trip, in their hand.
- Tag with a gentle touch, no grabbing or pushing.
- Net partners run at a pace both can keep, without dragging each other.
Variations
Easier
Two nets and a smaller meadow, with flowers closer to the hive.
Standard
Three net pairs and 2-minute rounds.
Harder
Nets are groups of three who tag with the two outside hands, and there are two hives.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can form a net with a partner walking alongside, or gather pollen from a nearby flower.
- Hearing impairment: start and end each round with a visual signal, such as raising a cone.
- Fitness level: a student who needs a rest can be the queen bee who counts pollen in the hive for a round.
Learning goals
- Coordinate movement with a partner while staying connected.
- Dodge and choose paths to reach a goal.
- Contribute to a shared class goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bean bags: 30
- hoops: 6
- buckets: 1
- cones: 8
- pinnies: 6
Teacher tip
Before starting, practice running hand in hand for 1 minute so the nets don't fall. Spread the flowers out so butterflies have several options.
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