Santa Claus came early for for Grade 4 and 5 students at Sandowne, Penfield, Pinecrest, Cedar, and Ripple Rock elementary schools in the form of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Eagles.
The organization donated Brain Bikes, stationary ergonomic exercise bikes with attached desks, to the classrooms in said schools.
“These brain bikes are an incredible tool to have in the classroom,” says Georgina Knox, School District 72’s physical literacy coordinator, in a video posted by the district. “It allows kids the opportunity to move their legs, burn some energy but because the desk is attached to the bike it gives them the opportunity to focus on the work and get some work done while they continue their learning.”
Knox explained the bikes are low profile and quiet, so they won’t be disruptive to the classroom.
In the same video, Lewis Howells, a teacher for a Grade 4/5 split class at Sandowne Elementary, says he notices it helps with his student’s productivity, as they can view it as a reward for finishing their work or they can take a quick turn on the bike when they are feeling ‘antsy,’ to help settle them down.
Howells also has a rule. When students are on the bike, they need to do some form of work such as silent reading.
The whole video can be viewed at www.sd72.bc.ca/_ci/p/14969.