Motor skills symbols

The purpose of the motor skills symbols is to help customers to choose their playground equipment so as to allow as much variation as possible in the way children move while playing. However, it is important to remember that the motor skills symbols are not an indication of the equipment’s “fun value”. As long as your playground equipment offers challenges for different motor skills, children get a balanced workout and want to come back to the playground again and again. This will allow the children’s social, motor and cognitive skills to develop at their natural pace in a safe and inspiring environment.

Strength The strength symbol value is an estimate of the degree to which the muscles must work simultaneously when using a piece of equipment and how effectively the muscles must be used.

Sense of rhythm The sense of rhythm is exercised most effectively on equipment in which one’s own rhythmical movement generates motion, e.g. swinging. The value of the symbol is higher if several people are needed to generate motion.

 

Balance The balance symbol value is based on the shape of the support surfaces, surface materials and mobility of a product. It is also influenced by the relationship between the support points of the hands and feet and the surface area.

Spatial perception The spatial perception symbol value indicates the degree to which the senses of position and movement are exercised as well as the ability to move in a three-dimensional space. Spatial perception is at a minimum if the apparatus is level and in a fixed position.