Pedal Path
What you need
- a trike or balance bike, and a helmet that fits them
- a few sticks of chunky chalk
How to do it
- On a flat, quiet path or playground, away from roads, driveways, slopes and water, chalk a circle, square and star in a row while they wait beside you or with another adult.
- Helmet and closed shoes on, then walk alongside, within reach.
- Call out "Stop at the star!" and see what they do.
- When they stop, name the shape together, then call another.
Why it matters
Riding to a shape and stopping there means getting going, steering and stopping again, all on one short path in full view from end to end.
What they're learning
- Stopping on purpose
- Slowing down and coming to a stop at the right shape.
- Getting going again
- Pedalling or pushing off after every stop.
- Shape names
- Circle, square and star, said each time they arrive.
What to look for
Watch for them looking up at the shape they are riding towards.
A tip
You keep the chalk while they ride, so their hands stay on the handlebars. Keep the path short and straight, with the far end in sight, and pause the game if anyone else comes into the space.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: chalk just one shape at the end of the path to ride to
Harder: call two shapes in a row, "star, then circle", along the same straight path
