Trike To Teddy
What you need
- a trike with pedals, and a helmet that fits them
- a soft toy
How to do it
- On a flat, quiet path in the park, away from roads, driveways, slopes and water, sit a soft toy at the side of the path ten big steps away.
- Helmet on and buckled, closed shoes on, feet on the pedals.
- Say "Off to Teddy" and walk alongside, within reach, as they pedal.
- At Teddy, wheel the trike round together and pedal back to the start.
Why it matters
A soft toy waiting at the end of a short, straight path gives every push of the pedals somewhere to go.
What they're learning
- Pedalling
- Pushing down with one foot, then the other, to keep the wheels turning.
- Steering
- Keeping the handlebars straight to stay on the path.
- Looking where they are going
- Eyes on Teddy, the place they are heading.
What to look for
Watch for their eyes fixed on Teddy as the pedals go round.
A tip
Turn the trike round together at walking pace, as a trike can tip on a sharp, quick turn. Take the helmet off before they go on to the climbing frame or swings, where the straps could catch.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: sit Teddy only a few steps away, so the pedalling is short
Harder: move Teddy a few steps further along the same straight path
