Balance-Ability
"Our Balance Bike Program enhances children's confidence, spatial understanding, and dynamic balancing abilities, essential for becoming proficient cyclists..."
Balance-Ability stands as the UK's pioneering 'learn to cycle' initiative, targeting children from 2½ to 6 years old.
This structured programme integrates specially designed ergonomic balance bikes with a series of enjoyable activities. These activities aim to boost confidence, enhance spatial perception, and develop dynamic balance. This comprehensive approach allows young children to master cycling without the need for training wheels.
Promotion of Cycling Benefits
CMXSC's 'Balance-Ability' is an AFPE approved programme. This initiative not only champions the physical advantages of cycling for young children but also offers an entertaining and engaging experience.
Impact on Children and Schools For many children, schools are the primary, and sometimes only, venues for regular, structured physical activities, education, and sports. Balance-Ability is more than just a cycling programme. It imparts valuable lessons in balance, gross motor coordination, core stability, and infuses fun into physical activity.
School Objectives in Promoting Cycling Schools aim to utilize cycling to:
-
Enhance children's health, fitness, and safety awareness.
-
Decrease car usage for school commutes.
-
Promote active travel.
-
Support younger pupils in their journey towards physical literacy.
Why is Balance - Ability Important for children and their development and what's included in the lessons.?
Improving the skill of riding and balance.
Enhancing balance and sensory processing abilities benefits all children. Those with well-functioning vestibular systems can thrive, while children facing challenges or impairments, such as those with Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, ADD, or ADHD, can experience significant improvements.
Funding for Balance - Ability.
Schools can effectively use their Sport Premium Funding by incorporating Balance-Ability, which helps in achieving these objectives:
Integrating physical activities into the school routine, including active commuting, active breaks, and incorporating movement into lessons and teaching methods.
Enhancing or expanding the range of physical education, physical activities, and sports offered by your school.
Pedal independently with confidence!
Through a fun and safe introduction to riding a bike, Balance-ability aims to increase children's confidence in using a bike creating a foundation to building from as children age to pedal bikes.
Funidamental movement skills.
Essential motor skills form the foundation for active participation in physical activities and support every aspect of learning. When these skills are not adequately developed during childhood, it can significantly hinder children's involvement in and enjoyment of physical activities. Through the practice of both gross and fine motor skills, children benefit intellectually, gain strength, acquire new abilities, and experience a boost in confidence when tackling new challenges.
What's included.
Every Balance-ability session includes the following components:
-
A qualified Balance-ability Instructor
-
Balance-ability bikes
-
Training aids for balance and coordination
-
Traffic awareness signs and course marking equipment
-
Certificates and Awards
Stimulating and Beneficial Educational Experiences
We provide stimulating, challenging, and rewarding educational experiences that focus on the physical growth and overall wellness of students.
Balance-Ability delivery method & process.
Tailored for Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 children, Balance-Ability spans 12 weeks, divided into two levels with 6 sessions each. It can also be extended throughout the year, particularly for less active children. In schools, each session accommodates up to 10 pupils, lasting 35-45 minutes. Options include half-day sessions, accommodating one class of 30 children in 3 sessions, or full-day sessions, catering to two classes.
The programme is usually conducted in school halls, but can also be held outside on playgrounds during summer.
Learning and Development
The Level 1 course focuses on fundamental movements, gross motor skills, and dynamic balance, introducing children to balance bikes. It covers skills like handling, mounting, and safely riding a balance bike, aiming to build confidence in gliding and controlled stopping.
The Level 2 course advances these skills, emphasizing coordination and advanced balance. The primary goal is to enhance gliding, stopping, braking, and turning techniques, enabling children to independently ride a pedal bike with confidence by the programme's conclusion.
If you would like to discover more about our Balance - Ability programme and how we can support your school, please click the email link below to get in touch with a member of our team."
