Strider Bike Introduction

Lesson Overview

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Age Group: Kindergarten (Reception – EYFS)
Lesson Duration: 30 minutes
Unit: Strider Bike Adventures (Lesson 1 of 7)
Curriculum Area: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Physical Development
EYFS Goals Addressed:

• Moving and Handling: Developing coordination, control, and movement.
• Health and Self-care: Understanding the importance of physical activity.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify key parts of a strider bike (handlebars, seat, wheels, frame).
2. Understand the purpose of a strider bike and why it helps with balance.
3. Practise walking while holding and straddling a strider bike safely.
4. Develop confidence in maintaining control over the bike in a designated space.

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Resources Needed

• 16 Strider bikes (one per child)
• Helmets (correctly fitted for each child)
• Cones or floor markers for designated practice areas
• Large open and safe space (ideally a playground or indoor hall)
• Visual aids (large diagram of a strider bike with labelled parts)
• Whistle (for start/stop cues)

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Lesson Breakdown (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity (5 Minutes)

Objective: Prepare bodies for movement and introduce key movement skills.

Activity:

• Balance Warm-Up Game – "Statue Walk": Children walk around the space, shifting their weight side to side. When the teacher blows the whistle, they freeze in a balanced pose.
• Encourage movements that mimic biking motions, such as marching in place, gentle lunges, and side stepping.

Key Questions for Children:

• “How do you keep your body steady when you freeze?”
• “Can you balance on one foot like you're stepping onto a bike?”

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2. Introduction to Strider Bikes (5 Minutes)

Objective: Familiarise children with strider bikes and their key parts.

Activity:

• Teacher gathers students around a demonstration strider bike.
• Point to and name different bike parts (handlebars, seat, wheels, frame).
• Ask children to repeat the names and point to the parts on their own bikes.
• Explain that these bikes help us practise balance before learning to pedal.

Question Prompts:

• “What do you think happens if we let go of the handlebars?”
• “How do we make sure we stay safe while using our bikes?” (This introduces safety rules).

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3. Hands-On Practice: Walking the Bike (10 Minutes)

Objective: Build confidence in handling the bike while walking.

Activity:

• Children straddle their strider bikes (feet flat on the ground).
• Practice walking slowly while holding the handlebars—both forwards and backwards.
• Teacher models proper control, demonstrating slow movements and stopping with their feet.
• Use cones to create a path where children practice moving in a straight line.

Differentiation:

• More confident children can try small turns around cones.
• Less confident children can practise walking in place while holding the bike.

Encouragement & Feedback:

• Praise effort and balance, using phrases like “Great control!” and “You’re holding the bike safely!”

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4. Cool Down and Reflection (5 Minutes)

Objective: Recap learning and gently relax muscles after activity.

Activity:

• Slowly walk in a big circle with bikes, taking deep breaths.
• Gather students in a seated circle, placing bikes carefully beside them.
• Ask reflective questions:
  • “What did you like about using the strider bike today?”
  • “How did it feel to walk with your bike?”
  • “What should we remember before we start riding next time?”

Final Reminder:

• Emphasise the importance of balance.
• Congratulate students on their first biking experience!

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Assessment and Teacher Notes

Observation & Success Criteria:

✅ Can the child name at least two bike parts?
✅ Can they hold the handlebars correctly and walk with the bike?
✅ Do they demonstrate balance and control in movement?

Teacher Reflection Post-Lesson:

• Were children able to move confidently with the bike?
• Did any children struggle with balance? Consider interventions such as extra walking practice or smaller steps.
• Were instructions clear and engaging?

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Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 2: Striding and Gliding – Children will progress from walking the bike to small strides, developing more confident movement.

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This lesson plan ensures a fun, structured, and developmentally appropriate start to the "Strider Bike Adventures" unit, aligning with EYFS curriculum goals while fostering confidence and motor skills in young learners. 🚲 🌟