The Big Climb

E & F looked at the giant log in front of them. Both determined to get on top of the log, they each chose a spot to start climbing. F chose an especially difficult place to make his ascent. He studied the smooth surface and found the small ridges, only centimeters wide, and decided this was the place for him. 

F reached up and felt the ridges on the top of the log. 

A group of kids started forming around him wondering how he was going to get on top of the log. 

"How is is going to do that?"

"I think he can do it!"

In the next few minutes 3 or 4 kids started cheering on F. They began clapping and cheering for F. 

"He's doing it!"

Many of the kids were watching as F bravely climbed the tree trunk. 

"He's doing it! He's going to make it!

After a couple of minutes F made it to the top! The kids cheered around him as he smiled. He did it!

E decided he wanted to try on a different part of the log. He started by finding secure spots for his hands. Once he felt comfortable he used his legs to push up. 

"I'm climbing!"

The same group of kids watched in awe as E started his climb.The cheered him on yelling,

"You can do it!"

"Go E, go!"

E moved quickly making sure to arrange his hands and feet in the proper positions. 

At last he made it! The kids clapped and cheered as he stood proudly on top of the log. 

"I did it! I made it!"

F & E both walked around the log exploring all of the grooves and uneven surfaces. After successfully climbing up, the two tried several more times choosing a different spot each time. They would walk up and down and either jump or slide off. 

Seeing these kinds of persistence throughout the day is quite amazing. The children learn from one another doing tasks like this every day. As the play continued more kids attempted to climb up the same way F did and others took E's approach going up the side. How great that kids learn from one another!