TBC Local Outreach Coordinators in Fort Worth, Elaine Wiliams and KC Jones visited Grapevine Elementary April 5th to encourage the P.E. teacher, Ramie Allison, and her 4th grade class to bicycle. “I was thrilled to see over a hundred bikes in the racks. The students were so well behaved it made the session a real joy,” KC said.
There were 125 kids all in one class! The class started with a helmet fitting and egg drop demonstration. Next, the class divided in half, and again into four groups. Two games were taught to the two sides of the gym. Elaine taught Texas Bicycle Laws by having each of the four teams come up with a move that represented each of the seven laws. KC had her group of 4 teams racing in the bike tag relay. The bike tag relay teaches bike parts helping kids to understand that a bike is a vehicle. The proper placement of the tag is reviewed and safety information is shared.
At the appropriate time, the two sides of the gym were instructed to quietly swap spaces, each team taking the place of another from the opposite side of the gym. The training was a success. By the end of the class, all 125 kids knew how to put on a helmet and why, the Seven Texas Bike Laws, and understood about bike parts and important safety features.<br><br>
Grapevine Elementary is the first of a month-long Safe Routes to School campaign focusing on one of the four school districts on their list. KC and Elaine look forward to making the other 10 visits just as successful!