If you have a traverse climbing wall in your gym, or are thinking of getting one, this guide is for you. It comes in two parts: a 64-page binder that is full of ideas and activities and an instructional video. There are activities for all grade levels, so this package is appropriate for grades K-12.

The resource guide is divided into four sections:
Introduction: Contains rules and expectations and an intro to climbing
Activities: This section contains 24 climbing activities to choose from, ranging in the degree of difficulty. Each activity is explained in detail, along with a list of materials needed. The authors are very thorough, as they include preparations prior to the activity (if needed), and notes on objectives or ideas for student reflection. Anyone could follow the directions for quick and easy lessons!
Challenge Activities: There are 4 activities in this section that can be modified to meet your needs. These activities promote teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and communication skills.
Appendix: This section has all the "nuts and bolts" for traverse wall climbing curriculum. Included are: Glossary of Terms, Web Sites, NASPE Standards, Advocacy (reasons to have a climbing wall, and how it relates to physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development in the classroom), Maintenance, Special Needs Students, Spotting Techniques, Processing Questions, and Scoring Rubrics.

The instructional video shows one complete lesson in "real time". The setting is at a middle school, and the instructor goes through basic safety procedures, and processing questions at the end.

I have no reservations about recommending this package to anyone. However, I do feel that the video could have been made a little different. It would be nice to have video of some of the climbing activities in the book, so the teacher can visualize the activity. Overall, because of the strength of the resource guide, it is still worth purchasing. The great activities in the book outweigh the mediocre instructional video. I give it 4 ½ stars!

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