Jaime Herndon, an early childhood education teacher at Bennett Elementary, recently received a grant from the Frenship Foundation for Leadership to purchase tricycles for her students. The grant, totaling over $700, provided 12 Radio Flyer tricycles of various sizes and types to enhance gross motor development for her 3- and 4-year-old Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) students. 

Herndon applied for the grant to address a critical need in her classroom. Many of her students enter school with limited gross motor skills and have not had previous exposure to activities such as riding a tricycle.  

“When the weather is not great, we have limited things we are able to do to meet my kids’ gross motor needs. These trikes give my kids an opportunity to do something fun indoors while achieving their goals,” said Herndon.  

Additionally, students are fostering independence and stability skills through riding the tricycles. 

“I teach 3-year-olds and one of the most important things we do daily is to learn independence, riding trikes is tremendously helpful with this goal,” said Herndon. “They are also teaching my kids confidence, balance, stability, along with other fun life lessons.” 

The tricycles are used during recess and adapted PE time, allowing students to build essential motor skills while also engaging in social play. Herndon implemented a structured rotation plan to ensure all students have equal opportunities to use the new equipment. She tracks each student’s progress through data collection, providing parents with reports at the end of each grading period to showcase improvements in gross motor skills. 

Since introducing the trikes, Herndon has observed significant growth in her students.  

“My kids LOVE the trikes, and every time we get them out, they get excited all over again! Some need lots of help, but others are really getting the hang of pedaling. It’s the best thing ever to see their eyes light up when they realize they are pedaling on their own,” said Herndon.  

One student even made a game out of stopping at each person in the hall to ring the trike’s bell, turning a simple ride into an interactive experience. The impact of the grant extends beyond just physical development.  

“Many of my kids have gross motor needs, and I have already seen an impact in this area,” said Herndon.  

The trikes have also promoted social interaction, teamwork, and perseverance among her young learners. 

Herndon is very grateful for the Frenship Foundation’s support, which has supported her classroom and students multiple times over the years.  

“When you teach early learners with special needs, they do most of their learning through play. Learning through play takes so many resources, and without the Frenship Foundation, my students would not have all of the amazing things that they have. It honestly brings me to tears thinking about it,” she said. 

Herndon is excited to see how much more her students grow throughout the year. She plans to keep refining the program and finding new ways to help them build their skills. To her, these tricycles are more than just a fun activity; they’re a game-changer in how her students learn, move, and gain confidence every day. 

For more information on Teacher Grants through the Frenship Foundation for Leadership click here.