Climbers Crawling Up the Rope
A rope tied to the wall bars stretches over a row of mats; kids lie on their tummies and pull themselves along the rope hand over hand, like climbers going up a mountain. Kids build arm strength and coordinate a pulling crawl.
How to play
- The teacher ties two or three ropes to the lowest rung of the wall bars and stretches them over the mats (2 min).
- We try it: lying on our tummies, we grab the rope one hand in front of the other and pull to move forward (3 min).
- We climb the mountain to the wall bars and touch the top, shouting "Summit!" (3 min).
- Now sitting on our bottoms on the mat, we pull ourselves along the rope (3 min).
- We climb as a team: two climbers on the same rope, one behind the other, calmly (3 min).
Rules
- The rope is tied low on the wall bars and stays on the floor.
- I pull with my hands, one in front of the other.
- I don't wrap the rope around my hand or body.
- I wait for the climber ahead to reach the summit.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a short route (one mat) and they can push with their feet too.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, two mats, on their tummies and then sitting.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, three mats, with a cushion on the last one as a mountain rock to get over.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: from the wheelchair, brakes off and an adult behind, the child moves forward by pulling the rope tied to the wall bars.
- Visual impairment: the rope is the perfect guide; the teacher taps the wall bars to mark the summit.
- Less strength: use fabric strips instead of rope, which are easier to grip, and a shorter route.
Learning goals
- Strengthen arms and shoulders by pulling their own weight.
- Coordinate alternating hand grips.
- Keep going until reaching a goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Long ropes: 3
- Mats: 9
- Wall bars: 1
Teacher tip
Tie the rope to the lowest rung with a firm knot and test it with your own weight. If there are no wall bars, a seated adult holds the rope with both hands.
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