"Teacher, did you see me? I made it all the way to the top this time. Last time, I couldn't even get that first red foothold". On our trips to Salt Pump Rock Climbing Gym, our students learn the value of persistence, healthy risk-taking, goal setting and the power within themselves.
Our 5th grade is comprised of 61 hard working, dynamic students.
Our population is definitely a diverse one, with students from all over the world and many who receive free and reduced lunch. Rock climbing is the perfect activity for our students to practice being active, to step out of comfort zones and to be supportive and encouraging of one another.
As educators, it easy for us to relate the rock climbing experience to critical thinking and problem solving. We can take these lessons back to the classroom and remind students of their triumphs and successes. This teachable moment helps them to see how they can reach their own potential and work through "sticky" situations in school and in life.
My Project
This is a proposal seeking funding to take our three 5th grade classes to two full mornings of rock climbing sessions! This project addresses content in the areas of Wellness and Language Arts. Wellness includes developing teamwork, planning ahead, resolving conflict, positive peer relationships and an increased understanding of the relationship between physical, social and emotional health.
Therefore, students become more knowledgeable by experiencing this real life challenge that is new to most of them.
They must be effective communicators and collaborative workers to be successful. Planning the climb takes critical thinking in addition to self direction. The students are out in the community for this project, so they also get to experience working with community members and many parent volunteers.
This project does so much for our students. They quickly learn a new respect for each individual's different learning styles and abilities. They work as a team, supporting and encouraging each other as they climb, and this helps set a positive tone for the rest of the school year. Each child is successful as they set their own goals and in every case we
have found that they are able to climb higher than they ever thought they could! This is a powerful real life experience!
The climbing sessions are followed up by writing projects and lessons learned are integrated into the curriculum throughout the year.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Holt and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.