Children’s ability to cross the body’s midline is a prerequisite for them to learn to read and write. For this reason, climbing is a most effective exercise, for example as a way of taking a break in the middle of the school day. In climbing ladders and networks children make use of all four limbs, which helps them achieve better physical awareness. At the same time they learn to control and coordinate both right and left side.
Climbing also interests older children, being a natural opportunity for learning to avoid danger. When children face their fear and test their skill on a climbing frame, they become more ready to face the unexpected.