How 3D playground markings are changing outdoor play

How 3D playground markings are changing outdoor play

School playground design can sometimes be underestimated in its ability to provide lasting benefits for children, both in terms of their physical health, as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing. Some of the benefits of thermoplastic playground markings include helping to refine motor-skills, decrease stress, and encourage social interaction. In one of our latest case studies, a local school created a unique and fun agility circuit for their school playground.

This week, we’re looking at some of the key ways that 3D playground markings are changing outdoor play, and why it might be worth considering new investment in yours!

Making break time more fun!

All humans are hardwired to respond to colour, but children tend to have especially strong emotional reactions to colours, typically responding most positively to colours like pink, blue, and red. These positive emotional associations can help subtly lift their mood, making the playground a more inviting and friendly place – which can help give them more confidence to interact with other children, and join in with group games.

A key benefit of 3D playground markings is that it encourages the development of a number of motor skills, helping children develop complex and simple movements which will aid them later in life. For example, the fitness trail has sections for sprinting to refine speed, jumping which can improve balance, and an agility ladder to help with coordination.

Honing their speed and agility in a fun, relaxed space in this manner can often help them to be more physically confident and athletic as they grow older. What’s more, as well as helping to inspire children to engage in more physical activity during break time, our 3D fitness trail might even inspire your students to create new games!

Creative play during PE classes

3D fitness trails can also be immeasurably helpful to PE teachers, as they can incorporate partial elements or full sections of the trail into lessons that involve activities such as circuit training.

For example, the painted 3D rings segment of the 3D fitness trail featured on our website can be perfect for creating simple or more complex agility drills with footballs or basketballs. As well as helping pupils develop their agility and co-ordination in the lesson itself, it can also give them the confidence to participate in the actual games themselves during break times.

It’s not just limited to football and basketball, though – in fact, our 3D fitness trail can serve as a great warm-up circuit before hockey, rounders, cricket or other PE class activities.

Enhancing classroom learning

As well as assisting in PE lessons, 3D playground markings can also be used to help students achieve more academically-oriented objectives. For example, our clock target or 3D compass can each be used as a fun, accessible way to help students absorb information from maths or geography lessons.

This is one of the many reasons why it can be helpful to get a number of staff involved when selecting or designing the playground markings themselves, as it can help your school narrow down what you need most from your playground markings.

3D markings open up a whole new experience by creating colourful images, shapes, games, and activities to help children develop their balance, agility, and speed. Playgrounds are such an important part of early and primary school development that impact students positively for years to come!

Our philosophy at Uniplay is “to see children of all abilities develop essential skills through play” and we specialise in the design and installation of thermoplastic playground markings, giving playgrounds colour and creativity to enhance play, fitness and fun. You can choose your favourites from our extensive range of categories, or give one of our friendly experts a call on 0333 321 6695 if you have any questions, or need any advice. We’re always happy to help!