Three Wheels Are Better Than Two: A Tale Of 4 Tricycles.

My Students

3 to 5 year old children are enthusiastic explorers of the world and their bodies. How children learn to move has implications for their understanding the space around them, interaction with others, and the process of thinking. Self-esteem is linked closely with their own physical accomplishments.

I teach two different groups of up to 14, three to five year-olds in a public preschool in an economically challenged area in rural Vermont.

The classroom includes both typically developing children and children with disabilities. I am trying to give the children in my care as many ways as possible to use their senses and bodies to explore their physical environment to develop their physical bodies and skills. They appreciate learning how to enhance their strength, balance, muscle control, and coordination through active social play. They feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in their independence when they master new skills. There is so much learning that can occur with tricycles beyond physical development. Children get to practice sharing, patience, and many social skills as the play folds easily into dramatic play. They take on roles of adults in their community: auto mechanic, doctor, convenience store clerk, fireman, nurse, police officer and more; learning though play.

My Project

We currently have one bicycle and no helmet, which is neither safe nor social. Our playground has play gas pumps, telephones, a fire station and more, and good places to bike. Children ask for bikes but I can't honor their requests due to the lack of resource. I am requesting 4 bikes and 5 helmets (the 5th helmet for the one bike we currently have). This will provide enough bikes for children to share and all who want to have a turn during outdoor play. These bikes will also be shared with the three Kindergarten classes during their recess, so the number of children who will benefit from this request far exceeds the 20 - 25 children in my classrooms. Skills children will gain include gross motor, which support the Vermont Learning Standard that children will "increasingly move their bodies in ways that demonstrate control, balance and coordination." These materials will encourage children to be physically active and challenge themselves in a safe way.

Young children learn so much when they engage in play.

This project goes far beyond supporting physical development. It will also encourage the development of persistence, reasoning, positive self-concept, self-control, awareness of children's own capabilities, positive relationships with others, a sense of community, communication skills, and even early print awareness when street signs are posted on the playground. I would sincerely appreciate your support to this project. Thank you!!!