Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will learn the basic skills needed to ride a bicycle, including balancing, pedaling, and steering. The student will feel more confident and excited about riding a bike!

Materials and Prep

• A bicycle that fits the student well
• A safe, open area to practice riding (like a driveway or park)
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• A helmet for safety

Before the lesson, make sure the bicycle is the right size for the student, and check that the helmet fits snugly. Find a flat, grassy area to practice, as it will be softer if the student falls.

Activities

• Balance Practice: Start by having the student walk alongside the bicycle while holding onto the handlebars. Then, encourage them to sit on the seat with their feet on the ground. They can practice lifting their feet off the ground for a few seconds to feel the balance.

• Pedaling in Place: Once the student feels comfortable balancing, have them practice pedaling while you hold the back of the seat. This will help them get used to the motion of pedaling without worrying about falling.

• Short Rides: After practicing pedaling, encourage the student to try riding a short distance. Start with a gentle push to help them get going, and then let them pedal on their own while you run alongside for support.

• Stopping Practice: Teach the student how to stop the bicycle safely. Have them practice squeezing the brakes gently and putting their feet down when they come to a stop.

Talking Points

• "Look at how you can balance! Can you lift your feet off the ground? Great job!"
• "Pedaling is like moving your legs in a circle. Can you feel your legs working?"
• "When you ride, I’ll be right next to you. You can do it! Just keep pedaling!"
• "To stop, squeeze the brakes and put your feet down. It's like stopping a car!"
• "Riding a bike is so much fun! You can go fast and explore! Are you ready to ride?"