During early childhood development and preschool years, children feel a natural urge to explore the world around them and acquire new skills. Climbing plays a crucial role in this process and offers many benefits for the holistic development of children. Climbing helps develop children's gross and fine motor skills as they overcome obstacles, climb on scaffolding and ascend trees. This activity builds self-confidence in their dexterity. Children learn to assess risks and recognize their own limits. The more opportunities children have to climb, the better they learn to assess their physical abilities. Because with every ascent comes a descent. Children learn from their own experience that they only get up where they get down again. Climbing promotes spatial thinking because it requires a deeper understanding of the space around us, not only in a horizontal direction, as when running or cycling, but also in a vertical direction. This means that children think not only forwards, backwards, or sideways but also upwards and downwards. Imagine children climbing on a climbing frame with different levels. They mentally plan a way to move from one level to the next by assessing the space around them and choosing the best handholds to advance. Spatial thinking enables children to orient themselves in the environment, solve problems and master complex tasks. For example, a visit to the playground offers children climbing opportunities or the chance to try out different play equipment. A tree house in the garden is also suitable for climbing up and down. Overall, climbing encourages spatial thinking by providing a challenge that goes beyond what is required in many everyday activities. It expands the awareness of space and the ability to navigate complex spatial environments.

‍Safety when climbing
‍Ensuring proper supervision at all times during climbing activities is crucial to prevent accidents. Children who are cautious or anxious tend to stick to lower heights by themselves. Therefore, it's necessary for caregivers to remain nearby, establish eye contact and closely observe their facial expressions. Offering verbal guidance helps children if they encounter difficulties.