Here at Shawfield we specialise in line markings and above all out favourite projects are playground line markings for nursery’s and schools. The projects for these are always fun and imaginative and we love the idea that our work inspires the future generation by using our line markings for fun learning.
Here we will look at some creative ideas that can be used within the early years education sector and hopefully provide some inspiration to anyone thinking of using line marking within their playgrounds.
Hopscotch –
A timeless classic playground favourite is hopscotch and is seen in many playgrounds across the world. Hopscotch involves hopping and jumping across the marked grid which provides endless fun to younger children along with other benefits. These include improving balance and coordination of the child and overall physical fitness. It can improve the gross motor skills as it involves hopping with one leg as well as jumping. Not only this maths is incorperated as it involves counting. The game also is a great way of children interacting therefore improving social skills.
Four Square –
Many of us will have played four squares during our time as school. The game involves starting in one square and aiming to advance to the number four square. This is done by bouncing a ball in your own square and hitting to anohter players square, the receiving player then hits to the next square without letting the ball bounce. If this player doesn’t hit into other players square, they move to number four square and the other players move up. This is repeated until a player reaches number four square and stays until they are eliminated. The game is physical so helps improve fitness along with coordination and motor skills. As well as this the benefit of social interaction is also great with this fun game.
Alphabet grids –
We think alphabet grids are just brilliant, what a fun way to teach children the letters of the alphabet through outside play. Alphabet grids offer so many opportunity’s for word games and spelling games the list is endless.
Number grids –
Just like alphabet grids a number grid is also fantastic as a learning tool. Using a fun, interactive number grid outdoors rather than in a text book is a great fun way for children to learn the numbers and also simple maths sums.
Maze –
Another firm favourite for inspiring fun learning is the maze. Using problem solving skills and quick-thinking mazes are a innovative fun way to learn. You can set specific areas within the maze to ensure children have to think and navigate using team work or individual problem-solving skills. A fantastic learning tool.
Target games –
We often are asked to line out for target games these can help to improve aiming skills and improve hand eye coordination. You can use things such as beanbags to hit a target. Often we use a dartboard theme where points are higher the harder the target.
Maps of the world –
We love marking our maps for playgrounds it is so much fun and really is a great way to teach the children where countries are in the world. Numerous games and quizzes can be used so children can learn about the world they live in using fun outside games.
There are so many benefits to using innovative line marking to inspire learning and we have some great ideas. If you would like to discuss them with us for your education setting please contact our experts today for more information.