Playground Markings in Isle of Wight
What are playground markings?
Playground markings are a fun, colourful and engaging way to endorse development in children. There are thermoplastic graphics for every playground, which are very durable and customisable. Markings go far beyond being the boundaries of just a sport pitch these days. Mazes, board games, fun educational games and more, are just a drop in the sea of alternatives that would immerse and engage the children in your Isle of Wight school.
Why are playground markings needed?
There are many benefits of playground markings. They are bright, interesting and make a child more willing to engage in activities on the playground. They are a safe place for children to learn and play during lessons and breaks, but they also provide opportunities for happier and healthier children. They can be educational, whilst helping kids develop and improve social skills.
Can Assist with Learning
Although, the playground is a place for children to take a break, be active and socialise with their peers, playground markings can combine this with learning too. Using colourful, fun games, it can make it easier and more enjoyable for pupils to learn, without feeling like they are.
Make Playgrounds Safer
Playground markings can help teachers to supervise and reduce the chances of students getting into conflicts over areas of the playground. Plus, they can provide corners of interest for children of different ages, meaning the children are less likely to leave the school premises whilst playing.
Promote Physical Health
According to the child health profile for Isle of Wight published by PHE in 2020, 9.4% of children in reception 2018/2019 were obese – marking a raise of 1% from the previous period. Meanwhile the kids in Year 6 are at 17.5%, down from 20% and improving from 2017-18, but still at a high number. Obesity in children is one of the issues that The Isle of Wight Health and Wellbeing Strategy is actively aimed at. Playground markings can make play areas more attractive and drive more activity, in order to help the fight against obesity.
Improve Mental Health
Within the same child health profile from 2020, it is stated that the rate of young people admitted due to self-harm was higher than the average for England, which is marking a slight raise from the previous year. Apart from helping against obesity, WHO and NHS suggest that exercising can help in dealing with depression and anxiety too. WHO also states that exercising enhances thinking, learning and decision making.
What playground markings we’d choose
Each age group has different needs when it comes to physical activity and interests. Schools with a wider range of students in terms of age, would benefit from a bigger variety in playground markings, to allow for a greater choice and more engagement for children.
Younger children are more easily fascinated, so they can learn different skills using our fun games and markings such as our Solar System, hopscotch and Snakes & Ladders. These are all great choices for encouraging learning through physical activity. Colourful phonics and alphabet markings will help them with literacy related subjects. As for social skills, Mirror Me and Dance With Me, are fantastic playground marking options too.
When it comes to older kids, we would suggest playground markings which are more physically challenging. Sports markings are very popular for older students. For example, our jump game or running track markings will test their physical capabilities. There are also a range of different court markings, especially good for teamwork-based sports like football and basketball.
Take a look at what other playground markings we offer and how you could improve the playground at your Isle of Wight school.