So, up went the 'Wheel Day' posters, out went the lunchbox notices and come Friday, all our tamariki turned up with their bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and of course their keenness to get started!
Thanks to planning and permission from Mr Sean, we occupied the Glen Innes Primary School grounds for the entire day.
Thanks to Andre's love of re-building with recycled bits and bobs, many of our tamariki had the opportunity to experience something new...motorised cars! With the support of Esther, Andre and his fan club of speed racers drove around the grounds in an orderly fashion, while waiting patiently to share and take turns.
Through observations and discussions, Esther and staff came up with further ideas and suggestions for next time. These included: Inviting our local Community Constable, and making road signs with our tamariki.
As the day went on, and tamariki demonstrated confidence in riding their wheels on the schools ground, they participated in some competitive, fun bike and running races.
It was enlightening to see our faster tamariki support their, not so fast friends, by using encouraging language like "you can do it" and "keep going" These words worked wonders for children's confidence.
'Children develop positive and constructive attitudes to competition, and a sense of responsibility and respect for the needs and well-being of the group, when they experience an environment where they are encouraged to learn with and alongside others'
Te Whariki-Contribution Goal 3.
Andrej and I had so much fun! It was so nice to see how everyone took turns on the bikes, how quickly everyone learned how to ride on a powered bike. I loved the fact that there were bikes for older children and scooters and fancy ride ons for the little ones. Both Andrej and I were very impressed how well behaved everyone was during the bike ride, but also at morning tea! When I came to pick the children up in the afternoon, it was such a buzz to hear the fun and laughter all the way down the street. Thank you to everyone for making this such a fun day out!
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