Rock wall

The rock wall was installed at St. Paul's 3 years ago. It is a much anticipated unit amongst students every year. This year we started using the rock wall after Thanksgiving and on most Fridays since then, we divide into small groups and do a variety of other small group games or skill practice--one of them being the rock wall.

The students get a safety/instructional  refresher course every year (1st grade spends 2 classes since it's their first time) and then the challenges begin. From climbing at different height levels and only being able to use certain color hand and foot holes, to climbing through the "rings of fire" (aka hoola hoops), each attempt at the wall is different.

While the wall is not high, the challenge of climbing horizontal, without touching ground for the time it takes to get from one end of the wall to the next, is harder than it looks! Kids hands start to sweat, legs and arms tire, and this of course is practice in overcoming both the physical and emotional challenge of getting to the other side. 

While there are many instances that I see students learn a new skill, or overcome a challenge in P.E.--conquering the rock wall when they say they are too tired, think they are going to fall, or are clearly very nervous the entire time they are climbing, and don't give up, is one of my favorite moments during the year. When they step off the other side and give me a humble yet proud smile, take a deep breathe of relief, or say "that was harder than I thought it was going to be!" Or even more so, the students that do fall of, but get right back on, and the students that get scared and can't finish one week, but next class are at the front of the line ready to try it again. 

The rock wall is a metaphor in more ways than one. Climbing, while obviously has many benefits to students physical and cognitive development (critical thinking, problem solving), is teaches kids to focus, concentrate, and persevere. Through this they gain confidence, competence, strength, and body awareness. 

Below is a video of smaller clips I recorded of students climbing over the past few weeks across all grades 1-4. Note: the video is in high speed mode to make room for more footage.

If your child loves climbing and wants to take on a bigger wall, check out The Cave Bouldering Gym in downtown KC. The Cave is an indoor climbing gym with walls built to resemble the inside of a cave. They offer kids clinics, private lessons, and even birthday parties!