TREETOP EXPLORER
  • Climb WIth Us
    • Open Climbs
    • Open-Advanced Climbs
    • Girl Scout Climbs
    • Adult Climbs
    • Rec Department Climbs
    • Group/Private Climbs
  • Learn to Climb
    • Beginning Tree Climbing
    • Advanced Climbing Techniques
    • Tree Climbing Facilitation
    • Climbing & Facilitation 5-Day
  • Learn More
    • What is Recreational Tree Climbing
    • The Climbing Experience
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Other places to climb
    • Health & Safety
    • About Us
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Join our team

In Celebration of Trees

Tree Climbing in an Elementary School

9/30/2019

0 Comments

 
By Kevin Andrews
What matters most to you as the parent of a child between the ages of 5 and 10?
Research shows four items consistently rank among the top:
  1. High academic achievement
  2. Physical fitness
  3. Mental health
  4. Social awareness and acceptance

Would you believe there is a path to achieving all four of these? 
Physical activity plays an important role in developing the brain and supporting essential mental functions. As an elementary teacher for the past 20 years I have witnessed the benefits that regular physical activity has provided to the vast majority of my students. 
Physical activity helps develop students in a range of ways. Not only does it help their physical health, it also helps improve brain function and your child’s emotional wellbeing. Research shows that regular to moderate intensity exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory. 
Exercise also helps release growth factors, chemicals in the brain that affect the growth and survival of new brain cells as well as blood vessels in the area. Exercise leads to improved motor skills, better analytical and problem-solving skills, stronger attention skills and overall improved learning.
So how do we accomplish this in our schools now-a-days?  

Engaging and Experiential
Most people would answer with the obvious PE and Recess.  Educators of today are looking for new, engaging, and creative ways to meet those needs without the use of technology-based methods. One method my school has explored over the past few years is through tree climbing.  
Companies such as Treetop Explorer are helping educators connect physical activity with a variety of learning opportunities.  When children are physically engaged and “living” an experience, their retention rates show a dramatic increase.  
Whether it be studying the biology of trees, using the peacefulness experienced in a vertical change of scenery for journaling or writing poetry, or studying the force of gravity on different objects, the connections between academics and physical activity are endless.  

The best part………KIDS LOVE IT!  
The #1 Field Trip!
In the four years since our school began implementing a tree climbing program with our third graders, the excitement from students and parents has grown exponentially.  It is the #1 “field trip” 2nd graders are excited to experience in 3rd grade, and one of the top 3 memories our 5th graders have of their entire elementary experience.  

Each climbing event is held during the school day, yet each year we have a growing number of parents taking time off of work to come watch their children soar into the trees.  Not only has this experience become more and more popular with the parents in my school, but it’s now being implemented in all four of the elementary schools across our district.  

The experience has been met with much enthusiasm from parents, students, and teachers alike. But beyond the enjoyment factor lies the connection between the academics, physical activity, mental health, and social experience that the tree climbing experience provides to each and every one of our students.  

The tree climbing experience helps us provide students with an alternative learning experience that gets them out of their chairs and into the trees.  

Kevin Andrews is an elementary teacher in St. Louis, Missouri.  He has been teaching since 2000 and has worked with kids between the ages of 5 and 10 as a Classroom Teacher, Content Specialist and Instructional Coach. He introduced the tree climbing experience to his 3rd grade team in 2015, and it has since grown to being implemented across the four elementary schools in his district, reaching more than 400 new students on a yearly basis.
Interested in Exploring Tree Climbing For Your School? Let’s Talk!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    As a G.O.T.C. Recognized Facilitator & Master Instructor, I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist, and T.C.I.A. Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Curt has spent over 30 years dedicated to the study and care of trees.

    ​Whether he is serving as a consultant, training, or providing hands-on experiences, his passion is fueled by helping others understand, appreciate, and connect with trees.

    Categories

    All
    Canopy Campout
    Dealing With Heights
    Elements Of Tree Climbing
    In The News
    Learning About Trees
    Meet The Trees
    Parent's Perspective
    Rejuvenation
    Self Reflection

    Archives

    June 2022
    December 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    August 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015

    RSS Feed

Treetop Explorer, LLC.    -     620 Maple Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186    -     (262) 894-4949.    -     TreetopExplorerLLC@gmail.com

Climb Descriptions
Training Classes
Schedule a Private Climb
Upcoming Climbs
REGISTRATION (online store)
Gift Cards
Contact Us
Waiver
Waiver (Shorewood Recreation climbs)
Waiver (Waukesha County Park climbs)
Weather Cancellation Policy
Health & Safety Precautions
​​Employment
​
Media Kit
Picture
© 2022 Treetop Explorer, LLC.
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Climb WIth Us
    • Open Climbs
    • Open-Advanced Climbs
    • Girl Scout Climbs
    • Adult Climbs
    • Rec Department Climbs
    • Group/Private Climbs
  • Learn to Climb
    • Beginning Tree Climbing
    • Advanced Climbing Techniques
    • Tree Climbing Facilitation
    • Climbing & Facilitation 5-Day
  • Learn More
    • What is Recreational Tree Climbing
    • The Climbing Experience
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Other places to climb
    • Health & Safety
    • About Us
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Join our team