Maddy has done it! She now is riding on a two wheeler. A few months ago Mrs. Bruecher, their PE teacher, game me advice on how to teach Brock and Maddy how to ride without training wheels. She said to forgo the pushing and just find a small bike, put the seat on its lowest point and let them play on it. Worked like a dream for Maddy. She's been pushing herself, with her very long legs, on a tiny little bike for about a month. Little by little she gained her confidence as her balance improved. Then today it happened. She got her feet on the pedals and away she went. She now gets to wear the special shirt Richard picked up, which has a bike on it, to signify her accomplishment. She was so excited; so are we! She did an amazing job, and I'm sure Brock and Dane will follow soon in her footsteps. Way to go Maddy!
Brock is biking now as well. In early May, their school's gym teacher, Mrs. Bruecher, invited our kids to some after-school biking. Brock adores her and immediately listened to all she had to say. Within a couple minutes, he was off and pedaling. Funny as he was always hesitant when we attempted to teach him.
The technique both our kids learned was from Mrs. Bruecher. Kids aged 4 to 6 can easily and quickly learn to independently ride without training wheels and without an adult gripping their saddle from behind.
This is how it works. Remove the training wheels from your child's bicycle. Lower the saddle so your child can easily place both her feet on the ground while seated. From this point on, your young student takes full control. The child is in charge of moving the bicycle, with no help from you, with no pushing or balancing on your part. You can compare the bicycle with no pedals to a two-wheel scooter, which kids love and enjoy riding and balancing with no fear. With the suggested technique, your young student is the one making the calls. He determines how fast he goes. He is the one moving and balancing, and controlling the bicycle. He is the one preventing a crash by simply placing his feet on the ground. This builds trust in his capabilities, then confidence and self-esteem.
Explain to your child that all he has to do is create a little movement ahead while balancing. Tell him that he can't fall, because the minute something doesn't feel right, he can always put his feet down on the ground (which is the starting position) and stop. He has to push with his feet, then try and hold his feet in the air a little while, then push with his feet again, and so on. After just a couple of lessons your child will get the hang of it.
Next, move to a place with a gentle slope. Let your child go down the slope, balancing with her feet on the pedals. After a few runs, he will feel comfortable and you can encourage them to add pedaling. It's important you explain to her in advance how to apply the brakes. At some point soon it will all click and off your child will go! It is such a great feeling for the child and parent.