Rock wall climbing is challenging! Here's why it's good for our students, according to School Specialty, and we witnessed ALL of the following benefits today!
When climbing, students are reaching for various hand and foot holds, requiring balance, coordination, flexibility and motor planning. Not only is it a fun, full-body workout, to include muscle strength and endurance!
Cognitively, climbing requires problem solving, decision making, focus and concentration. Goal setting exercises can be conducted with a climbing wall, as well as many cross-curricular activities that integrate climbing with other subject areas to reinforce classroom learning. The brain is getting a workout equal to the body.
Rock climbing also impacts the affective domain. Students are participating in a positive risk taking activity that requires courage, self-confidence, self-reliance, patience, perseverance and self-control. Students are meeting challenges, overcoming fears and, in doing so, building their self-esteem. Climbing also provides opportunities to support others, cooperate and demonstrate leadership skills during team-building activities.
ALL OF THIS! We saw it today!