Playground Games for Children With Dyspraxia

For children dealing with dyspraxia, the playground can seem like a daunting place. Lots of people running around and different pieces of equipment to contend with.

But there are activities which can help those with the condition. Some playground games even encourage improvements in motor skills for kids with dyspraxia. Read on to learn more and see our ideas for activities on the school playground.

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What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a condition which affects physical coordination. It’s also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The condition causes children to have issues with daily physical tasks. Sufferers tend to lack the motor skills expected for their age, which can lead them to act clumsily.

It’s a physical learning disability which doesn’t affect overall intelligence. But those affected have trouble with everyday tasks and actions. Activities requiring balance, muscle strength and coordination generally pose the biggest challenges. Visit the Dyspraxia Foundation to learn more.

Things children with dyspraxia might find difficult include:

Running
Jumping
Skipping
Climbing
Getting dressed
Eating
Brushing teeth

How Do You Know If a Child Has Dyspraxia?

There are a few things to look out for if you think your child or pupil might have dyspraxia. Early diagnosis is important in helping kids get the support they need. Below are some of the signs to be aware of:

Struggling to hold a knife and fork or eating messily
Difficulty holding pens and pencils
Avoiding taking part in playground games or PE
Problems with hopping, skipping and jumping
Trouble with organisation and completing tasks on time
Handwriting may appear less mature than other children of the same age

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Playground Ideas for Pupils with Dyspraxia

When it comes to playground games there are a few different types that can be beneficial for children with dyspraxia. Developing gross motor skills is an important part of dealing with DCD, and certain activities can help with this. It’s vital to provide an inclusive play area which is suitable for different levels of ability.

Check out some playground games for dyspraxia below.

Obstacle courses
Dancing
Imaginative games and activities
Balancing activities
Playground markings

Read on to learn more details about these different activities for children with dyspraxia.

Obstacle Courses

Equipment in the playground can be laid out in an obstacle course which children navigate around. This could include fixed equipment like trim trails, or movable equipment like hurdles and tunnels. Trim trails can improve physical development as well as being a fun and exciting feature in the play area.

These help to boost a range of gross motor skills including balance, muscle strength and coordination. The course can be altered to suit children’s different abilities and to help teachers measure development.

Dance

Dancing is a fun way to let children express themselves and do physical activity at the same time. You could encourage children to make up their own routines or simply freestyle and do whatever steps they like.

A playground stage is a great piece of equipment for something like this. They can also be used for putting on plays or other performances that pupils make up. Alternatively, playground markings are ideal for creating a dance space. These can include a range of shapes and instructions on the ground.

Giving children the option to make up their own routines makes the activity more fun. This makes less confident individuals want to participate more.

Imaginative Games

There are no limits when it comes to imaginative play for children. Not only can these improve thinking skills, they also help kids develop physically. Completing different actions such as hopping like a bunny, swinging like a monkey etc. create a more fun way to do physical activities.

Practising tasks like these will help to strengthen muscles and improve coordination over time. It’s a great thing for any child to do, not just those with dyspraxia.

Balance Activities

For dyspraxic children, balance and coordination can be particularly challenging. It’s a good idea to encourage simple balancing activities which help strengthen these skills.

Starting on flat ground may be the safest option for those with a physical condition. You could start off by asking the child to walk slowly with one foot in front of the other. Then you can gradually increase the challenge by moving onto elevated surfaces.

These could include bridges, balance beams, stepping stones and more. But always make sure that playground safety surfacing is available in the area to create a softer landing if there is a fall.

Playground Markings

There are so many different types of playground markings you could have installed to your play area. These are great for educational games and stimulating children to come up with their own activities.

You can choose from a range of brightly coloured designs which are encouraging and fun for children. A few options include:

Hopscotch
Activity trails
Fitness courses
Mazes
Number and letter games
Geometric shapes
Footprints

These can help kids with balance and coordination. They are also good fun dyspraxia games on the playground. Some of these activities can also be helpful for children with Dyscalculia, another invisible disability that can affect play time.

Find Out More

Feel free to contact us if you’d like more information on making your playground a friendly place for children with dyspraxia. There are so many different types of equipment and games you could implement.

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