Grade Pyramid: Ten Problems to Find Your Level

Each student builds a training pyramid: four problems in an easy color, three in a medium one, two in a hard one and one at their max. They learn to place themselves on a grading scale and to plan a session that balances volume and quality.

How to play

1. Explain the school's color scale (green to black) and the pyramid idea: wide base, narrow top (4 min).
2. Climb the base: four problems in the color you send without falling (8 min).
3. Second and third tiers: three problems in the next color and two in the one after; log your attempts (12 min).
4. Top: one problem at your max with three tries, resting 2 min between them (7 min).
5. Adjust: if the base was too easy or the top impossible, rework your pyramid for next session (4 min).

Rules

• At least 1 min rest between problems.
• Log honestly: sent, fell, or not tried.
• Feet under 1.5 m with mats covering the whole zone.
• One climber per problem.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: problems marked with rough tape and a partner describing the route.
• Finger injury: pyramid in low colors with big rungs only.
• Nervous students: can start the pyramid at the lowest color even if it's easy for them.

Learning goals

• Place your own level on a difficulty scale.
• Plan volume and quality in one session.
• Log attempts and sends honestly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• wall bars: 10
• gym mats: 10
• colored tape: 5
• log sheets: 28

Teacher tip

Set at least three problems per color to avoid lines. The usual mistake is starting the base too high; the rule is that the base should go without thinking.

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