By Doug Cressler

Wedged between the two large rooms where Anchor Center students work on motor skills is the "climbing tree." In this area, the children get a chance to develop strength, coordination, and confidence on a simulated rock climbing wall.

To prepare for climbing, the student is helped into a harness. Attached to the harness is a rope looped over a fixed pipe at the top of the wall. The rope is used to belay the climber so that there is no risk of a fall during the climb.

Over the past two years, I have periodically worked with all the preschoolers on the climbing tree as a volunteer. Thanks to the terrific coaching of the wonderful teachers and aides at Anchor Center, we’ve never had a single child become overly frightened or emotional about "getting vertical." Most of the children think it is great fun. The range of abilities of the students is everything from needing 100% assistance in order to make upward progress to climbing without any help at all. Each child is unique and gets physical assistance on the wall to the extent help may be needed. I love to see the smiles on their faces when the children ring the bell suspended from the top of the wall!

The most rewarding thing about working with the children is seeing the overall positive progress they make because of their involvement with Anchor Center. This improvement has everything to do with the dedicated and caring staff of professionals at Anchor Center.

Last year, for example, there was a Hispanic preschooler who spoke little English and seemed very shy at the beginning of the year. By the end of the year, however, his English proficiency had improved noticeably, and he was the most enthusiastic and talented climber in his class.

This year, I have been particularly impressed by a student who, at the start of this year, was unable to make any significant moves to assist herself in climbing. By the end of the semester, however, her motor skills had noticeably improved. She is now reaching for handholds by herself. This may not seem like much, but to me, this is huge. I look forward to the next time she takes her turn on the wall and greets me with a loud "Hi, Doug!"

Parents of Anchor Center students, please be assured that safety is our number one concern on the climbing tree, followed by making the climbing experience a positive one for your child.

These kids rock!