Often schools have a plain, grey asphalt or concrete playground area which could be transformed into a much more vibrant space with the addition of colourful playground markings. Unlike painted markings that tend to fade with wear, thermoplastic markings are non-slip, safe and durable; and they come in an array of attractive colours.
Playground markings can provide a space for children of all ages to take part in a variety of team sports and general activity. In addition to fostering social skills, these activities also encourage physical health and fitness, especially in younger children. Hopping on a hopscotch for example can help children enhance their strength, coordination and body control. Having designated areas for team games such as netball, football playground markings uk and basketball can also foster cohesion between different children in the same class or year group.
Beyond sports, a wide range of playground markings can be used to support other aspects of learning such as counting with snakes and ladders, enhancing hand-eye coordination with mazes, encouraging verbalisation with board game markings, and developing spatial awareness with grids and patterns. These markings are not limited to the school environment and can be taken home by children for continued use at weekends or during holidays.
Thermoplastic markings can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including grass and wet pour. However, it is important to consider a number of factors before installation such as drainage and whether the surface will be regularly flooded or exposed to freezing conditions during the winter. It’s also important to consider the impact of weather on the longevity and visual appeal of the markings once they are installed.
A MUGA with playground line markings for sports such as football, netball and tennis can be used by students of all abilities. Adding wheelchair-accessible paths and sensory play areas will further promote equality and encourage students to work together. Thermoplastic markings can be designed to include images that reflect the local environment, promoting geography and history lessons outside of the classroom.
Having a mix of playground markings that cater for a variety of activities will encourage children to be more active during break times and lunchtimes. Increasing the amount of physical activity that children are doing can be difficult for schools without having the budget to invest in expensive climbing frames or full-on playgrounds. Having dedicated spaces for team sports such as 4 square, handball and activity track can be an ideal way to motivate children into becoming more active during the school day. Initiatives like the Daily Mile can be supported with playground markings too, as well as basic maths and spelling through fun games such as caterpillar of ABCs or snakes and ladders. All of these games will help to improve their coordination, motor skills and balance while making it more fun and engaging than sitting down to a traditional lesson.