Playground markings are vibrant patterns you have likely seen in all kinds of outdoor play spaces for children. But what are they, exactly? What keeps them from being washed away? Why are they a great idea for a playground? Longevity Live Content Partner
Below, we’ve taken a closer look at these beautiful, educational play patterns so that you can find out all about them:
What Are Playground Markings?
A playground marking was traditionally a pattern or game marked onto the ground using chalk. Hopscotch is a great example of this kind of chalk-marked game and is thought to date as far back as prehistoric India in its origins.
Photo by Laura Rivera on Unsplash
As time has progressed, chalk markings have been made more permanent using paint. Although effective in the short term, it has some downsides.
Paint, for example, can create a slippery surface and can leach chemicals into the ground. It isn’t super accurate and tends to deteriorate quickly with lots of sunshine or rain.
These days, thermoplastic markings are the most effective option for playground markings because they are more eco-friendly. They are also extremely durable, and they are more cost-effective long-term.
The results are also incredibly precise and leave a stunning aesthetic that boosts any domestic, public, or educational outdoor space.
How Do Playground Markings Benefit Children?
The benefits of playground markings for children are vast and far-reaching. This is why you see these beautiful bright patterns in the outside areas of educational facilities and public play areas across the country, and the world.
Key Benefits of Playground Markings for Children:
Encouraging Activity
Around 14.4% of children (between reception age and year 6) are considered obese. Scientific evidence suggests that obesity in children has a profoundly negative effect on their physical, social, and emotional health.
Playground markings contribute to the fight against obesity. By inspiring children to play and be physically active in the playground any season, any weather, any time.
A Social Boost
Playground markings encourage children to play games together, as with board games markings. With any markings, children are also likely to create their own playground games, too, which involves inventing their own rules. Just one pattern can become endless different games for different children.
Even with an individual (and not a group) use of the markings. As children have to learn to take their turns and share, which also benefits their social skills.
Aid in Cognitive Development
Cognitive development is all about how children solve problems. How they understand what is around them, and how to interact with the world as a whole. Playground markings help with this by providing something for children to figure out, focus on, and play with. They also boost your child’s imagination and help with balance and coordination.
Educational Benefits
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Thermoplastic playground markings come in a wide range of educational patterns. This helps children to learn as they play, whilst also giving teachers the ability to diversify lesson environments from time to time.
Fun
Around 1 in 6 children aged between 5 and 16 are likely to have a mental health problem. Now, more than ever, young children are stressed and anxious.
Playground markings can encourage children to engage, play and let go of their worries for a short time. The bright, vibrant colors and interesting shapes help children to create their own games.
Makes it possible for them to enjoy playing between lessons, or in the playground in the local park. By encouraging children to spend time outside, there are also extra mental health benefits to being in nature too.
“Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful.” – Susan Linn
Playground markings are a smart addition to any playground space. As it helps children to move more, have fun, develop, and engage with their environment.
By choosing thermoplastic markings, those benefits can continue season after season, for a beautiful, dynamic, and elevated play area designed to last.
