Arizona State University

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College

Physical Education Program Climbing Ropes Lesson Plan
Teacher: Ryan Whitehorse
Grade(s): K-2nd
NASPE Content Standard(s) targeted:
Intro- 1 & 2
Fitness- 1, 2, 5, & 6
Lesson Focus- 2, 3, & 5
Game- 1, 5, & 6
Objectives: By the end of the lesson students will develop upper body strength from climbing ropes.
SWBT explain safety precautions when climbing. SWBT hand on a climbing rope for 5 seconds or
more. SWBT swing and climb on a climbing rope.
Organization: Students will work as entire class for the start of the class with introductory and
fitness activities. They will then work in groups as they each take turns climbing up and down the
ropes.
Formal Assessment/Evidence of Mastery: I will demonstrate fitness exercises then observe
students as they perform each exercise/movement. I will also evaluate students on the types of basic
grips they learned as they climb up the rope. I will make sure students are following basic safety
precautions in their groups.
Key vocabulary targeted: (CCR)
Needed equipment and Set-up:
Scissors Grip
Animal movement signs
Leg-Around Rest
Tumbling mats placed at the base of the climbing
Instep Squeeze
ropes
Climbing ropes
Cones and bowling pins
CONTENT SEQUENCE:
Opening/Anticipatory Set: Students will retain any previous knowledge they may have about
climbing ropes and from demonstrations and instructions as they apply when they have their turn to
climb.
Introductory Activity/Warm-up segment: Partner Over & Under
Students are partnered up as one holds a bridge position while the other crawl under the bridge and
jumps over for 30 seconds. Students then switch role for another 30 seconds.
Fitness Development segment: Animal Movements
1. Puppy Walk- 30 seconds
2. Hamstring stretch- count to 10
3. Rabbit Jump- 30 seconds
4. Shoulder Stretch- count to 10
5. Crab Walk- 30 seconds
6. Abdominal Stretch- count to 10
7. Elephant Walk- 30 seconds
8. Arm Circles- count to 10
9. Kangaroo Jump- 30 seconds
10. Shoulder Touch- count to 10
11. Alligator Crawl- 30 seconds
12. Crunches- count to 5
13. Seal Walk- 30 seconds
14. Jumping Jumps- count to 10
15. Gorilla Walk- 30 seconds
Lesson Focus: Climbing Ropes
Supported Pull-Ups- student kneels under the rope and pulls up to the tiptoes and return to kneeling
position while practicing the correct grip hand over hand. Student can also start in the sitting position

under the rope and pull up while legs are supported on the heels and return to sitting position.
Hangs- From a standing position, jump up, grasp the rope, and hang for 5 to 10 seconds while
making sure student is positioned in the bent-arm hang with hands even with the mouth. Student can
also add leg movements while in the bent-arm hang like bicycling.
Swinging and Jumping-Student can jump and swing from one side of the mat to the other side landing then swinging back.
-Student can also jump across the mat while stepping on a stone rock.
-Student can also swing and pick up an object from the other side and bring it back across the mat.
Climbing- Student will climb up as far as they want using the scissor grip, instep squeeze, or legaround rest all using their feet. Student will climb up and descending the rope without falling or
sliding down the rope.
Game segment: Skunk Tag
One to three students are the taggers while the rest of the students are scattered and if tagged they
kneel down. Students are safe when they move into the skunk position but can only hold position for
5 seconds before having to return to game.
Feedback Statements: Awesome job David of freezing as soon as you heard the whistle. Excellent
job Anna of waiting your turn to climb showing good safety.
Closure/Lesson Summary: Who can tell me one climbing grip we learned and practiced today?
What grip is called when you wrap one leg around the rope?
Lesson Extension: Why is it important to have upper body strength when rope climbing? Could we
rope climbing on our own at home? And using what type of rope?