Page 4 - SN December - Grade 1

PE

MS. MARIJA DIMITROV

Dear Parents,

We spent the last couple of weeks developing our climbing wall skills.

First graders started with very simple activities to re-
duce any initial anxiety, and in order to increase their
perception of being safe and feeling supported by
their classmates. After simple climbing (panel by
panel) and climb-ups and climb–downs using all
three hold colors, (yellow, red and green), we named
a specific color a “hot spot”, meaning it cannot be
used by either students’ hands or feet. We also
played a game of “thin ice” where a ribbon is
stretched around several holds to create an imaginary
area of challenge, containing holds that students may
not use.

We then created some obstacle courses, using ribbons, poles and hoops, to go over, under or through
during the climb. Students tried climbing across the wall in pairs, connected to a partner with a hoop.
This boosts the attitude of cooperation and develops the attribute of being caring as they find new,
shared solutions for their movements on the wall.

Through all of these activities, we worked on improving students’ body coordination and balance on
the wall, as well as on their strength. First graders
took positive risks, trying to make good decisions
in order to traverse safely and complete their tasks
successfully.