A Story Song for Imagination Building and Reading Comprehension using the song ‘Riding My Bicycle’

This song benefits learners by providing a story that can be pictured in their minds. Creating images inside the mind’s eye is a necessary precursor for proficient reading comprehension. This song provides a great opportunity for listening, too.

Pretending is a strong factor in a child’s growth and maturity, so encourage your students to act out the story – as if they are the character that is just learning to ride a bike. Don’t forget to add facial expressions, body movements, SOUND EFFECTS, and even props.

The musical terms, ACCELERANDO and TEMPO can be introduced and illustrated using this song. 

Listening skills: What SOUND EFFECTS are used in this song? Listen for diction. Have students show an indicator when they hear an ending sound on a word. Listen especially for the letters “d” and “t.”

Workbook Exercises:

• ‘Riding My Bicycle’ Coloring Page – This drawing is of a boy joyfully riding a bicycle with his proud parent looking on.

• Trace the Route – Students read the instructions, then trace their way through the maze. (Answer key is provided.)

• Which Item is Not Like the Others? – Read the four items on each line. Three of them have something in common. Circle the one that doesn’t have anything in common with the other three.

• Can You Crack the Code? – A limerick is written in code. Students locate the symbol in the decoder chart, then write the correct letter in the blank space below the symbol to decipher the hidden message.

• Write Your Own Story – There are two options to use as a theme for creating a story: Write about getting a brand new bicycle for your birthday. Tell who gave it to you and describe what it looks like. OR You can ride your bicycle anywhere you want to. Tell about where you would like to ride your bike and what things you might see along the way.

It’s FUN for classroom teachers, music educators, homeschoolers and students!

Format: PDF

Grade Level:  Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd