Wiggle Worm
How many of you children have ever seen or held a slimy, fuzzy worm?
How many of you remember how that worm wiggled his way right out of your
hands or crawled away?
I have an interesting little worm to share with you today that just might
make you smile instead of squirm or say "Yuck!"
His name is "Mr. Wiggle Worm."
Wiggle Worm can't sit still because he is always on the go educating kids
about safety.
In this "Bicycle Safety" story, Wiggle Worm will talk to you
about one of your favorite things. Your
bicycles! He will introduce you to his family, "Baby Chewy"
and "Chompers" as they take you through all-important issues of
Bicycle Safety.
Parents this story is for you too, so listen up please.
Wiggle Worm loves to talk and is very happy when everyone pays really
close attention. "Are you
ready kids?" "Here we
go!"
"Howdy everyone, I am Mr. Wiggle Worm!"
"It's true I am a slimy, fuzzy worm, but one with character none the
less." " I love my
bicycle so much (I guess I should mention I do ride a bicycle) that I decided to
buy Baby Chewy and Chompers a bike too."
"Before I let them ride their bikes I wanted to teach them all I
could about Bike Safety." "
I helped them pick out the bikes best suited for their size plus all the
important safety issues and accessories that go along with safe biking."
"Being the intelligent Wiggle Worm that I am, I decided to hang my
Bike Safety Rules on the refrigerator where I know Baby Chewy and Chompers spend
most of their time."
"Here we go!" "Okay
parents this part is for you!" "Biking
is an exciting adventure for kids and offers them some freedom."
"Set limitations for children as far as where they are allowed to
ride, how far, and be available at all times for them."
"Explain to them the importance of Bicycle Safety and that you love
them and want to stay safe."
"Make Bicycle Safety a fun issue to discuss in your home and talk
about it often!" (Consistency is the key word here!) "Kids sometimes have so much on their minds already that
they forget and need to be reminded often." "Please don't get frustrated, soon they will remember on
their own and your persistent efforts will pay off."
"Don't forget to reward them for their efforts!"
"Okay kids, this next part is for you too!"
"Listen up Baby Chewy and Chompers, you will want to hear this
too!"
- Keep
a file on your bike with your serial numbers, sales receipt, picture of you
and your bike. 2.
Engrave an ID number on your bikes or include them on your insurance.
3. Lock your bikes every
time you leave them even for a moment.
Don't leave your bike anywhere outside where elderly people might
trip over it. This would make
you very sad. 4.
Take enough change with you for phone calls in case you have an
emergency or your bike breaks down. Carry
proper ID, emergency phone numbers and emergency medical information. Please be prepared ahead of time to prevent any
problems. 5.
Keep your bike in good running condition and check it often or have
an adult check it often.
"Okay Baby Chewy and Chompers, can you think of
any other important Bike Safety issues?"
"What about bike helmets?"
"I'm glad you asked." "Always
wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride and make sure to tighten the
straps on them too." "This
goes for rollerblading, skateboarding, horseback riding and so on."
"Also parents, you set the examples so always wear yours too!" (No excuses.)
"So are we ready to ride now?"
"Not quite." "Make
sure and have grown-ups check your bike often."
"Find a safe place to ride and stay off the streets and away from
traffic, sand, rocks, thorns, glass etc."
"Also watch for cars pulling out of driveways that might not see
you." "It is hard for
cars to see you and the more bright colors and reflective gear you have, the
easier you are to see." "Baby
Chewy is even harder to see on his tricycle so I will be with him at all
times." (He's so cute on his
little tricycle!)
"Chompers will need to obey the rules of the road, yield to cars,
walk his bike until there is safe passage." "Don't forget Wiggle Worms favorite words are; always be
alert with your heads up and watch for any signs of danger ahead!"
"So listen kids to this slimy, fuzzy worm, he does love you and
wants to keep you safe." "Tell
your friends to wear their helmets too because it might save their lives as well
and please share with them about Bike Safety and what you have learned in case
they forget." "Parents
have your kids wear clips on their pants if they are prone to getting caught in
the chains or spokes of their bikes."
"Baby Chewy likes to wear cycling gloves to protect his hands from a
fall." "He also likes to
decorate his tricycle with bright reflective stickers to make him easier to be
seen." "Chompers loves to
use his fancy horn on his bike to alert people that he is coming."
"He also quickly put a pack on his bike with all his emergency
information, money for the phone, a band-aid or first aid kit and a water bottle
to keep him hydrated."
"Okay kids are we excited about riding our bikes now?"
"Have we learned some of the important steps from Wiggle Worm about
Bike Safety and remembered them?" "Remember
Bike Safety begins at home and teaching kids at an early age may prevent
accidents in the future." "Rewarding
their efforts is very important and not only builds their self-esteem but
teaches them to be responsible for their decisions."
So kids, let's hear it for Wiggle Worm, Chompers and Baby Chewy!"
"Give them a big hand and a great big smile for a job well
done." "Watch for their
upcoming safety stories in the near future."
"We wish you happy and safe bicycling!
Wiggle Worm Song
If you've never ever seen a Wiggle Worm,
Wiggle your nose, wiggle your toes, wiggle worm.
He's a slimy, fuzzy wiggle, wiggle worm.
Wiggle your hips, wiggle your toes, wiggle worm.
If you've ever held a slimy, fuzzy worm,
Throw your hands up. Start to squirm, yelling,Yuck!
But remember as you giggle like the worm,
Keep your heads up, stay alert and wiggle worm.
And if you've ever read about a wiggle worm,
Yell; we giggle when we wiggle with the worms!
Copyright
1998 by Author Patti Tricoli
