The ladder of divine ascent is like a ladder you use to climb up to reach something high. But instead of climbing up to get a toy or a book, the ladder of divine ascent is used to climb up to become closer to God.
On this ladder, you start at the bottom where you may have behaviors or thoughts that do not match with what God wants you to do. You may not be very nice to others or you may be selfish. But if you keep climbing, you reach higher rungs where you learn to be more patient, kind, and loving towards others.
As you keep climbing the ladder, you learn more and more about God and become more like him. It's kind of like practicing being good and kind until it becomes a habit.
The ladder has different rungs or levels, and with each level, you become closer to God. The climb can be hard and take a long time, but it's worth it because you become a better person and closer to God.