Mazes And Why They Are Beneficial For Kids
Updated on: June 4, 2024
Finding your way through a maze can be a challenging but super fun activity, and apart from the satisfaction of reaching the middle or the way out, mazes can actually be very beneficial for children too.
Going one step further and combining mazes with playground markings offers even more benefits and in this blog, we’ll take a look at a few of the significant ones.
They support better problem solving
Whether it’s a full-sized labyrinth, a themed maze playground marking, or a complex network of coloured lines in a magazine or a notebook, working your way through one of them is sure to give your brain a workout. While the brain is not really a muscle, it does work like one and with more activity comes better focus, concentration, and decision making.
Mazes can help children think outside the box, finding unconventional methods to solve a maze much more easily, that could stick in their minds for other situations outside of play. For example, they can come up with a way of solving the maze backwards where possible.
Mazes can be educational too! One example is our vibrant maths maze playground marking which combines the fun of outdoor games with material from your lessons, to make it more appealing. For more maths playground marking ideas, check out our blog post for Best Maths Playground Markings To Boost Learning For All.
Mazes can sharpen memory
Mazes can be very beneficial for developing a sharper memory as a big part of going through a maze includes remembering the path taken. When going through a new maze, encountering dead ends is almost inevitable.
This is where remembering your surroundings can help map out the entrances you have gone through to avoid ending up in the same dead end again. In doing so, children can develop a more effective method for remembering information.
Our circular maze playground marking is the perfect, engaging playground game to encourage your pupils to practice their memory skills.
They teach patience and dedication
While putting your skills to the test, a maze takes some time and dedication to solve, especially if it’s a more challenging one. As well as being entertaining, mazes will subtly teach children the value of patience, and that success takes time and effort to achieve. It teaches children to never give up!
Mazes are beneficial for children’s mental health
While getting through a maze can be time consuming, it’s also very rewarding and fun. Plus, by successfully going through a maze, children can get a healthy confidence boost, which is very important for their mental health. They can also build relationships and work in groups to go through a maze, which ties into how…
They promote teamwork and development of social skills
You can be solo or cooperating with your classmates in order to find your way through a maze. Learning together and from each other is a great drive towards improvement, but also helps develop teamwork, social skills, leadership, and other important skills. It is also far more enjoyable sharing the journey with someone by your side as you both help each other, suggesting ideas and coming up with solutions.
Why are maze playground markings great for your pupils?
As well as the above benefits, maze playground markings bring their own positives for school children. Two major benefits of maze playground markings include:
- Maze playground markings are more engaging. With vibrant colours and interesting designs, maze playground markings can turn the playground into its own little themed world, making it even more of a blast. With our pirate maze playground marking, all children can embark on a treasure hunt!
- Physical health is actively promoted too. Apart from being very beneficial for children’s mental health, maze playground markings are the perfect opportunity for them to enjoy themselves outside in fresh air, improving their fitness and general motor skills with their friends.
Our thermoplastic playground markings are extremely durable and will last up to ten years even after lots of wear and use from infant and primary school children. What’s more, they are non-toxic and completely safe for kids.
Besides mazes, we offer a large variety of diverse, top-quality playground markings, which will inspire active play and outdoor learning, making your playground a place that students will love returning to!
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.
