Pedaling is a large rhythmic motor skill that can be done in place without moving over the floor in any direction. It precedes prancing in difficulty.

The whole series of 16 large rhythmic motor skills beginning with the easiest to most complex includes: walking, running, marching, galloping, sliding, hopping, jumping, leaping, pedaling, prancing, toe pointing, skipping, waltzing, minuet, schottische, polka.

For kids that have learning disabilities, assist by holding one or both their hands while they practice any of the motor skills.

Pedaling Technique

Pedaling is done in place, alternating feet. Look at the illustration.

Begin with feet parallel. Legs change role of supporting leg and working leg alternately. The supporting leg balances the weight of the body while the moving leg - working leg - moves.

Pedaling Kinesthetic Lesson

To proceed, roll one foot up to the ball of the foot as in the illustration and hold a count. Then, roll the foot down flat taking on the weight of the body while the opposite foot rolls up to the ball of the foot.

This is a coordinated step, so for beginners it is useful to face the back of a chair or table and hold on for balance with both hands. When that becomes comfortable try holding on with just one hand. The free arm can be extended to the side for balance.

The rhythm is even such as 4/4 time at first and then double time when the lesson is mastered.

A sequence to use with your students is 2 slow pedals and 4 double time pedals; 2 slow pedals and 4 double time pedals. The counting rhythm would be:
1, 2, &/ 1, 2, 3, 4 &/1, 2, &/ 1, 2, 3, 4

When your students have truly mastered their balance the class can spread out in the room and perform without support; both arms stretched to the side.

The benefit of learning pedaling is the coordination needs both right and left hemispheres of brain to work together so the connections between are strengthened.

Recommended -

All 16 basic rhythmic motor skills and dances for practice are in my book:
Rhythms and Dances for School Age Kids


Article and illustration by Susan Kramer