When you think of school playground lines, you might picture hopscotch and four square – classic games that get kids off their computers and out into the fresh air. Or you might be thinking of sports court markings for basketball, netball and hockey – markings that encourage physical activity while fostering teamwork and social interaction. But you might not know that school yard line marking — also known as playground stencilling — offers a variety of benefits for both schools and students.
Safety is the top priority for any school playground lines and, as such, playground line markings help promote safe play by clearly delineating physical boundaries for games like hopscotch and four square. They also help limit injuries by preventing children from running out of bounds and into dangerous areas. This is especially important for younger children, who may not have developed the spatial awareness to stay safely within these boundaries.
In addition to safety, playground markings help to develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Thermoplastic markings can even be designed to include patterns, shapes and colours that encourage these skills and support learning in a fun way outside the classroom, whether it’s through numeracy (snakes and ladders) or literacy (letter and word games).
It’s no secret that childhood is the perfect time to foster imagination. However, as kids grow up and become more sedentary with their use of technology, it can be hard to fuel that natural curiosity for creativity. Playground markings are the perfect solution, encouraging children to interact with each other and develop creative problem-solving skills through games that stimulate their minds and imaginations.
Playground markings also allow for a wide variety of educational activities, supporting a range of subjects and skills in a fun and engaging outdoor setting. For example, maps, world globes and other geographical features can excite children as they learn about different countries and cultures while also supporting maths and literacy.
Finally, playground markings create a space for positive social interaction between students. As children collaborate with their peers while playing games facilitated by the markings, they build communication and interpersonal skills that will benefit them both inside and out of the classroom.
Thermoplastic playground markings can be designed with accessibility in mind, allowing children of all abilities to participate in fun and interactive activities. This allows them to socialise with their peers and helps them feel included, which has been shown to have a positive impact on their behaviour inside the classroom.
If you want to make your schoolyard markings last, the best option is thermoplastic. It is more durable than paint and can stand up to the elements and constant foot traffic. It’s easy to clean too, requiring only a regular pressure washer set on a low setting and a soft bristled brush to remove dirt and dust. It’s also much more cost-effective than other forms of playground infrastructure, making it a great choice for schools looking to upgrade their existing facilities without breaking the bank.