Climbing the Walls

Jennifer Neubauer Berthelot and Joanna Faerber, Contributors

It’s 1:30 in the University Lab School gymnasium. A group of elementary students file in for P.E. After a quick warm-up activity the students line up to try their skill at one of their favorite activities. A boy pauses for a moment and considers his plan of attack, and then climbs onto the horizontal rock wall. Tongue sticking out of his mouth in concentration, he makes his first moves going right across the wall. A few minutes and several careful moves later he is nearing the end of the 71 foot rock wall. When he reaches it he will climb down, turn around and share an excited, “I did it!” with fellow students or teachers.

Rock climbing is a sport that has been developing some popularity over the last several years. Indoor rock climbing walls are being put into public gyms and schools across the country.

In 2003, the University Laboratory School was the first school in Baton Rouge to get a rock climbing wall, which was made possible by funding through the University Laboratory School Foundation. Several panels make up the 71 foot wall that students use to practice climbing right or left across the wall. Next to it is the vertical wall. At a height of 24 feet it nearly reaches the ceiling of the gym. At the top of the wall rests a small horn for climbers to blow when they reach the top. It is the only vertical wall in a Louisiana school.

Many rock climbers say they prefer climbing to lifting weights or working out on cardio machines. Rock climbing has a lot of the same physical benefits such as increased strength and dexterity.

“It takes upper body strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination,” says Lab School Physical Education teacher Joanna Faerber.

Rock climbing also helps students with their motor planning. Students have to think and plan their next move on the wall. This helps their problem-solving skills. Vertical climbing also teaches students the importance of teamwork. Because the climber is attached by a rope called the belay to a “belayer” who is responsible for help to support them and keep them from falling, the climber must learn to trust both the equipment and their belayer. The belayer can also offer suggestions of where to move next on the wall.

The rock wall can also teach patience, perseverance, goal setting, and the benefits of positive risk-taking.

“Because it’s a risk-taking exercise it helps the kids to attempt something they’re afraid of,” says Faerber who also calls it a confidence-building activity. “Their courage grows by succeeding in positive risks and their confidence increases from achieving their goals.”

The rock climbing wall can also be used with students with a variety of disabilities. One student with spina bifida works with Faerber on the vertical wall while the other students work on the horizontal wall.

“Climbing helps him build strength in his upper body, patience, perseverance, and goal-setting. He is able to climb and be successful just like his classmates,” says Faerber.

The rock wall is a favorite of the elementary school children. “Last year we had several kids say everyday, ‘I’m going to try to get higher,’” says Faerber. “They get up there, look down, and wave. There’s a sense of accomplishment and pride. I had a parent crying last year because her son finally made it to the top.”