BMUFSD: Students Climb Ropes And Walls Fearlessly

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2023-04-19

Courage is the SEL, or social-emotional learning Word of the Month at Todd Elementary School and third graders displayed plenty of it when they climbed ropes in physical education class.

Students in Christine Elliott, Lisa Cerrato and Robin Difeo’s classes climbed hanging ropes as part of an eight-station lesson involving various activities that encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone.

“This is a brave, capable group,” said physical education teacher Jamie Tranchida.

Students spent eight minutes per station swinging on rings and from a rope, climbing up a wall, playing basketball and climbing from a rope.

“The first day, we allowed them to climb the rope to a lower spot and increased it after we saw what they were able to do,” Mr. Tranchida said. “To go along with the monthly theme, we are encouraging students to challenge themselves and find their inner courage, as long as they feel safe and comfortable.”

“We have never climbed a rope before, but we are not scared to do it. We are dancers, so our legs are strong,” said Minka and Tanner.

Mr. Tranchida and physical education teacher Michelle Hiltsley spent the beginning of the class discussing safety.

“At first we let them climb just a little bit and later allowed them to go even higher, but they are not allowed to go all the way to the top of the rope,” Mr. Tranchida said.

“We also modify some of the activities for students in the younger grades, so they use the rings differently and have smaller basketball hoops,” Ms. Hiltsley said.

The activities are designed to help with upper-body strength but according to Mr. Tranchida, they are also team-building activities.

“The students cheer each other on and help each other,” he said. “For example, when someone is on the rock-climbing wall, students call out the different colored handholds for the students to use

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.