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Climbing
wall activities provide meaningful educational opportunities
for students with special needs. Because learning takes place
out of the traditional setting, where failure may have occurred,
students’ chances of success increase. Students focus on
their strengths and work towards exceeding their personal best;
they are not compared to others nor are they competing against
others. The positive outcomes of climbing include:
- Improved
self concept, self trust and self reliance
- Improved
social connections and relationship building skills
- Increased
ability to work cooperatively
- Increased
problem solving abilities
- Increased
ability to identify multiple solutions for challenging situations
- Improved
academic achievement
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- Increased
interest in being physically active
- Improved
body awareness, motor planning and bilateral coordination
- Increased
muscle tone and motor skills
- Improved
balance, coordination, strength and endurance
Students
on the climbing wall are encouraged to challenge themselves physically,
mentally, emotionally and socially. By facing up to these challenges,
participants learn to see themselves as capable and in charge
of their lives. Because learning is "based" on these
climbing wall experiences, the chances for success with special
needs students are high. With guided facilitation and thoughtful
post-activity reflection, this curriculum innovation could positively
impact your special needs learning environment and help your
students find success experiences that help them thrive.
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