Today we will show you a fun and simple butterfly life cycle stretch that can be used to teach children about butterflies and get them involved and active!
Butterflies undergo four major changes during their life. First as eggs, they hatch into tiny larvae or caterpillars. As larvae, they feed on leaves and hang upside-down to form the pupa. They then become a chrysalis to complete their metamorphosis in order to emerge as a butterfly. And as an adult butterfly they can lay eggs to form more beautiful butterflies!
To start, lay on the ground and use your body make the shape of an egg. Tuck your head in and pull your knees as close to your chest as possible to make yourselves tight and small.
Now as larvae, hatch slowly from the egg by stretching out your body to become caterpillars. While laying on your back, stretch out your arms and legs. Reach as far away as possible and then slowly relax your body.
Caterpillars must grow nice and big! To do this, pull in your arms and legs towards your tummy and hold this position for 10 seconds. Count to 10 and then release and stretch out really wide! Repeat this for 5-10 times.
Next, caterpillars must create a cocoon. While still laying on the ground, cross your arms and legs over your body. Take 10 deep breaths before fully emerging as a butterfly.
The caterpillar is ready to break out of their cocoon! First one of their wings will stretch out, reaching up high to touch the sky. The second butterfly wing will then reach out and stretch. The legs can be uncrossed, and the butterfly can slowly flap their wings to stand up on their two feet.
The butterfly can now fly freely with its glorious wings flapping by their sides!