Marshall Elementary added a new level of fun to their playground area recently The playground got a colorful update when educators were told about playground stencils that the state offered for free to help add old fashioned games back into elementary students.

“When our Superintendent Monte Madewell called me and said we could get playground stencils from the state department for free if we wanted to add to our playground of course we said yes,” Marshall P.E. Teacher Brenda Tucker said. “So after talking to Principal Cindy Frame, she was able to have Frame Lumber donate paint to us and get some parents and teacher volunteers to help paint the playground area. There were a lot of people who stepped up to help out and we were grateful for that. Now we have three different four-square games, three hop-scotch games plus sensory games for the kids. We love our hopscotch dragonfly we were able to do too. Now we are working on getting beanbags and balls for each class to have to play with when they come outside to play.”

All the Marshall students have been enjoying the colorful games that work well to help students learn colors, balance and coordination. The state’s mission of these painted play spaces is to enhance the play environments at schools by using colorful paint and stencils to create an array of recess games on existing hardscapes. Painted play spaces increase physical activity and student engagement on student campuses. This physical activity is essential to keeping students healthy and active and research has shown it helps students mentally decompress and refocus once they reenter the classroom.

“These games are all the games we used to play when we were kids and the kids just love it. They learn a lot of skills that are good for them. Now they can just come out and play and have a good time with their friends. I’m just thankful that so many people helped to make this all possible. It’s been a school-wide effort and has made a wonderful addition to our playground area.”