In 2023, a new study of Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning was published and analyzed the barriers and opportunities associated with integrating climbing into physical education. The study, which took place in Austria, surveyed 14 teachers from urban and rural areas to better understand what it would take to make escalation in schools plausible.
Some of the challenges identified were students' fear of embarrassment due to group dynamics, the possibility of challenging students. Also many, and teachers who do not want, or cannot, lead classes related to climbing.
While taking into account the issues, several teachers were able to identify the opportunities that climbing can offer in a school environment. A teacher who participated in the study explained that climbing is a sport in which everyone, regardless of their level, can achieve success. For some people, regardless of age, climbing two feet off the ground is a monumental achievement that should not be overlooked. A second teacher said climbing is a unique opportunity for students to learn how to manage fear, which spills over into other aspects of their lives.
Schools across the United States are focusing on these topics and have successfully overcome challenges with benefits, including Ohio Street School, an elementary school in New York State.
For nearly 13 years, Rebecca Sullivan, physical education teacher and coach at Ohio Street School, has incorporated indoor climbing into her program. The school invested in a transverse rock wall for its gymnasium to introduce students to the elements of rock climbing.
Coach Sullivan's students begin using the rock wall in kindergarten and continue to use it throughout their elementary years.
“When they're in kindergarten, they're nervous about the rock wall because they think they have to go up high,” Coach Sullivan said. She explained that many children do not have the ability to move comfortably from left to right, so the cross wall allows students to become stronger in this area.
With fear of heights playing a large role in rock climbing, Coach Sullivan is there to guide his students every step of the way.
“If they (the students) hesitate, I or another adult is behind them. Often, they get up and they panic. I talk to them about it… 'This foot goes on the yellow (hold), and this foot on the green. They do it themselves, I just talk to them,” she said.
The through wall used in primary school is divided into panels. For safety reasons, only one student is allowed on each panel at a time. Additionally, the wall is fitted with floor mats for extra cushion. Students are asked to avoid climbing well above the safety line, identified by a solid red line extending across the entire wall. As with any climber, Coach Sullivan reminds students to keep their belly button and hips close to the wall to encourage good form.
“It's always nice to see a child who is afraid of heights go up the wall and cross, even if it's two panels. We work on one panel at a time, then increase the number to two,” Coach Sullivan said. “When they can solve problems and see them through to the end, they are happy with their success.”
As schools continue to invest in rock walls across the country, more students will have the opportunity to try a new sport, learn to face fear and overcome challenges. These are irreplaceable skills that children can learn throughout their lives.
