How Target Playground Markings Help Build Core Maths Skills
Updated on: January 29, 2024
Keeping maths fresh can be a challenge, but our target playground markings are a great way to create a fun outdoor maths activity children and staff can use at any time.
Our maths target playground markings use the ever-popular concept of maths target boards to create interesting and innovative outdoor maths games.
We’re a leading UK playground markings company with a passion for making playgrounds fun, creative and educational. We have a range of exciting designs that play on the traditional idea of maths target boards.
Our design team have come up with all sorts of imaginative twists to create target board games that are fun to play whilst also building children’s core maths skills.
Take the 4-Way Target Playground Marking for example. All of our designs are open-ended, but we envision children will be challenged to throw a beanbag onto the target board from different distances shown on the marking. The aim is to reach the star in the middle.
Children will be developing physical agility, balance, and motor skills at the same time as they improve core maths skills. Meanwhile, the 4-way design means a number of children can play together at the same time.
The Maths Target Playground Marking takes things in a different direction by creating a game that’s also a twist on a number machine activity.
In this kinaesthetic activity, children become part of the number machine, throwing a beanbag into the target board to finish the calculation from the starting number which is written in the starting number box.
For younger children, the written starter number could be replaced with objects which they can physically count. Younger children could also add or takeaway the number of objects after throwing the beanbag onto the target board.
Our more traditional-style designs can be used in a wide range of ways. For example, to create a kinaesthetic outdoor maths activity, children run or hop or jump to the right answer on the target board for any calculation the staff member calls out.
These bright, colourful, and fun target board games can be used for so many outdoor maths activities throughout the year and children will see them as an enjoyable game to play rather than a maths activity.
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It’s for this reason and more that maths target board playground markings have so many benefits for children’s maths learning. Let’s whizz through what those top benefits are.
The Benefits Of Maths Target Board Games
1. Fun
Maths target boards are a popular maths resource because they make maths fun and children enjoy using them.
Having an outdoor maths activity on the playground permanently that children like using means they’ll voluntarily build core maths skills as they play.
Maths target boards are timeless because they support the learning of calculations which is a key maths skill. With a target board playground marking in your play space children can do this daily without realising.
2. Peer Learning
The repeated practicing of core maths skills within a social environment means pupils can benefit from peer learning as they play.
From the chance to discuss answers with other children to hearing the correct answer as they play in mixed ability groups, the informal setting of a playground is brilliant for peer education.
3. Relaxed Setting
The combination of an activity children enjoy and the informal setting of a playground means an outdoor maths target board game holds greater appeal than an indoor maths activity.
In the familiar, relaxed setting of a playground children can approach core maths learning with a fresh perspective which is much more likely to produce successful results.
With the design on the playground, staff also have the choice to make use of the resource with small groups or whole classes for fun outdoor maths starters, plenaries, and activities.
4. Better Focus
The benefits of outdoor maths target boards mean they can also lift children’s mood, putting them in a better frame of mind to concentrate and process learning.
The American Psychological Association cites a range of research into the benefits the outdoor environment has for the mind.
For example, a study by Marc Berman, a psychologist at the University of Chicago found exposure to outdoor environments improved participants’ memory and attention.
Meanwhile, research by Lisa Nisbet at Trent University in Canada found time spent outdoors can boost your mood.
The combination of learning essential mathematics skills in a chilled outdoor setting where everyone feels more positive, relaxed and focused is highly beneficial for all children.
Studies, such as recent research by The Wildlife Trusts, have shown children develop more positive feelings towards others in the outdoor environment so installing an outdoor maths resource on the playground, that everyone can use, can even help children build their social skills.
From stronger maths skills to higher self-esteem, improved focus and better relationships between peers, there are so many ways outdoor maths target board games can aid children’s maths learning.
Take a look at our exciting range of maths target board playground markings to find the perfect design for your community. We also offer the option to commission your own custom design.
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Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.
