Climbing

Some children love to climb. They shoot up climbing frames, trees and ladders. They scramble up things they shouldn't (like bookcases and gates) and go up the slide instead of down.

As babies and toddlers learn to navigate their world, they start to pull themselves up and climb over objects. Preschoolers may want to challenge themselves, to climb as high as the sky and be king of the castle.

Climbing is a form of risky play, but it is essential for children's physical development. When early childhood educators support children's gross-motor skills and ability to climb safely, they are helping them to view their world from a new perspective.

The educational benefits of climbing include gross motor development.

EYLF learning outcomes

Climbing aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it supports physical learning (3.2).