Teaching 2nd graders to ride bikes is now part of DC curriculum?

[Anonymous]

In an email we received from DCPS, Kaya Henderson spent considerable time talking about some new curriculum initiative. The only concrete example she pointed to was that the curriculum would include teaching second graders to ride bikes.

Really? This is for school time? No wonder DCPS scores so low. This is not a "curriculum." This is what kids have done for ages on their own time at home.

[Anonymous]

At least its a useful and healthy skill to learn, unlike memorize answers for standardized testing.

[Anonymous]

If it is during PE I say go for it.

At least it is something useful.

[Anonymous]

I think this is a really great thing, actually. Did you listen to the video? 60% of 2nd graders can't ride a bike. It's a great skill, opens up some doors and increases physical activity. I'm all for it.

Wish they'd include swim lessons, too.

[Anonymous]

I guess it's easier to provide a bike than to provide a pool.

It's PE. OP, are you outraged that they play other games during PE?

[Anonymous]

I think this is a great idea! It's a really practical skill for city-dwellers, and it's something not every kid can learn at home (some families can't afford bikes; some working parents can't afford the time to run down the sidewalk holding the back of the bike).

Plus, this is happening during PE -- it's not like it's cutting into their math lesson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess it's easier to provide a bike than to provide a pool.

It's PE. OP, are you outraged that they play other games during PE?

PP here. I know - but was in the UK for a while and most of the schools there have swimming as part of the curriculum. Thought it was such a good idea. Anyhoo....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At least its a useful and healthy skill to learn, unlike memorize answers for standardized testing.

Completely agree

[Anonymous]

This is part of the curriculum in Seattle public schools, fwiw. I forget which grade, though.

Does DCPS do outdoor ed, like they do in Montgomery County? Mandatory overnight camp/hike/bioscience lessons? If so, what grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is a great idea! It's a really practical skill for city-dwellers, and it's something not every kid can learn at home (some families can't afford bikes; some working parents can't afford the time to run down the sidewalk holding the back of the bike).

Plus, this is happening during PE -- it's not like it's cutting into their math lesson.

+100 here

[Anonymous]

Kids seem to have no trouble riding away with stolen bikes in our neighborhood. Perhaps DCPS should also offer hockey as there seems to be some interest after a group assaulted two kids at Watkins and tried to steal their gear. Either way, seven seems to be a bit old. And this presumably will take away valuable playground time, space and manpower. How many kids will ride at a time and what will the rest be doing? I just don't get it. And why this isn't this being offered through DPR?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids seem to have no trouble riding away with stolen bikes in our neighborhood. Perhaps DCPS should also offer hockey as there seems to be some interest after a group assaulted two kids at Watkins and tried to steal their gear. Either way, seven seems to be a bit old. And this presumably will take away valuable playground time, space and manpower. How many kids will ride at a time and what will the rest be doing? I just don't get it. And why this isn't this being offered through DPR?

But that's the point. They are 7 or 8 and don't yet know how to ride a bike.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids seem to have no trouble riding away with stolen bikes in our neighborhood. Perhaps DCPS should also offer hockey as there seems to be some interest after a group assaulted two kids at Watkins and tried to steal their gear. Either way, seven seems to be a bit old. And this presumably will take away valuable playground time, space and manpower. How many kids will ride at a time and what will the rest be doing? I just don't get it. And why this isn't this being offered through DPR?

When did this happen? During school hours?

[Anonymous]

This lesson is a second grade physical education lesson. OP can suck it.

[Anonymous]

If it won't cut into classroom time, that's better - but how is this a "curriculum"? This is the one example she highlights of a step to improve DC's curriculum.

And frankly doing well on standardized tests is a good skill to have if you want your kid to get into good colleges and grad schools.

PE is important but I don't see bike riding at school as so vital. Plus, what they are going to share helmets and spread lice? And the school yards are pretty small for 25 kids all on bikes.