Kovler Family Climbing Schooner
Scale 3 stories of ship-shape rigging—from cargo hold to crow's nest. Find real tropical fish at the ocean's bottom, and then reach for the rafters on a race to the ship's top. Friendly staff can lend a hand to new climbers.
How Adults Can Support Playful Learning in the Climbing Schooner
Encourage and guide the child as you watch them climb. Be specific with your feedback: Wow, you are really using your strength to pull yourself up!
Offer verbal cues as well as physical cues. You can put your foot here and grab the rope here with your hands. [Point to the areas].
You can follow the child as they climb while remaining outside the structure yourself by taking the staircase that runs adjacent to the climbing structure. Maintain conversation with them while they climb.
Show empathy and understanding if children feel scared or realize they are not ready to climb all the way to the top. Let them know that they can always try again on your next visit.
Discover more opportunities for growth in development and how to support children’s learning through play at Chicago Children’s Museum. Explore the Supporting Learning Through Play Guide here!