The bikes help the kids get in a light workout and, at the same time, focus better on their work
HOPEWELL BOROUGH -- Old stationary bikes that otherwise might have been collecting dust in a basement have found a new home in Claudia Scotti's second-grade classroom at Hopewell Elementary School.
The machines are part of the school's new Read and Ride program. Students can take turns pedaling during reading workshop, snack time, after they finish an assignment or on days when they're cooped up inside for recess.
"It allows them to get the wiggles out and incorporate some reading," Principal David Friedrich said.
Scotti, who has been a teacher for 23 years, says she got the idea after reading an article over the summer about Scott Ertl, an elementary school counselor in North Carolina who launched the program in 2010. He outfitted a spare room with exercise bikes and had teachers sign their classes up for 15- to 20-minute blocks. The data he collected found that reading test scores and proficiency improved across the board.
Wanting to try it in her own classroom, Scotti approached Friedrich, who was on board. A friend of hers had an old bike and a church donated a second one.
But more are on their way, which is good news for the growing number of teachers who have been clamoring to get bikes into their classrooms as well, Friedrich said.
Scotti said the bikes help the kids get in a light workout and, at the same time, focus better on their work.
"I liken it to when you're at the gym and you have a good workout, you feel really accomplished," she said. "On an 8-year-old level, they feel the same way. The bike allows them to read for a longer period of time and gets some of their energy out through actual pedaling."
She has a rotation system to make sure each student gets on a bike two to three times a week. It can be for as little as five minutes to as much as 15 minutes.
"Some kids don't realize they've been on it for 15 minutes," Scotti said. "It's building stamina in terms of reading and exercise and movement."
Friedrich said the bikes fit into the school's overall goal of educating the whole child academically, socially, physically and emotionally -- plus, it doesn't cost them a dime.
Those interested in donating a bike can call the school's main office at 609-737-4007.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.