Shove Penny

All About Shove Penny

Shove Penny is a classic playground game with roots that stretch back centuries, originally played on pub tables in old English inns. Its simplicity and charm have ensured its place as a timeless favourite, now adapted for outdoor play. The game involves sliding coins or small markers along a marked surface to land them in scoring zones, combining skill, precision, and a touch of luck. 

On the playground, it becomes a lively and interactive activity, bringing students together for friendly competition. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to spark fun and connection for children of all ages.

How to Play Shove Penny in the Playground

Playing Shove Penny on the playground is easy to learn and endlessly fun! Here, we’ve set out the steps:

Set Up: Players gather around the Shove Penny markings, each with their own “pennies” or small markers. Something like a light plastic cone, disc, or puck would work best for our playground markings.

Take Aim: Standing at the starting line, players take turns sliding their markers across the surface, aiming to land them in specific scoring zones.

Score Points: Each zone is worth a certain number of points and players tally their scores based on where their markers stop. Overshooting or missing the zones scores zero, adding to the challenge!

Winning: The first player to reach an agreed target score (e.g., 21 points) wins the game.

Variations for Younger Children

For younger students, simplify the scoring by awarding a single point for any marker that lands within a zone. Alternatively, turn the game into a relay, where teams aim to land as many markers in the zones as possible within a set time.

Adaptability for Groups and Skill Levels

Shove Penny works brilliantly for both small groups and larger teams. Players can compete individually, or pair up for a doubles-style match. For a more advanced challenge, you might even want to increase the sliding distance or set “penalties” for missing zones entirely. The beauty of Shove Penny lies in its flexibility; it can be as easy or as competitive as needed to suit the players!

The Perks for Pupils When Playing Shove Penny

Physical Benefits

Sliding a marker to land precisely in the scoring zones requires focus and control, helping the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and precision. It’s a subtle workout for their motor abilities, keeping them active without feeling like hard work.

Social Benefits

The game naturally encourages social interaction, as players take turns, cheer each other on, and engage in friendly competition. It’s an excellent way to teach teamwork, patience, and sportsmanship, as children learn how to celebrate wins and handle losses positively. It also fosters a sense of community and can encourage kids to support each other.

Cognitive Benefits

Shove Penny isn’t just about luck, it’s also a game of strategy and problem-solving. Players need to judge distances, plan their shots, and think ahead to maximise their scores. This level of engagement helps improve concentration and critical thinking in a playful setting.

Active Engagement at Playtime

The quick-paced and interactive nature of Shove Penny keeps children actively involved during playtime. It provides a structured yet fun activity meant to encourage them to engage, motivate them to get moving, and enjoy face-to-face interaction with their peers.

How Does Shove Penny Support Students With SEND?

Shove Penny is an inclusive game that can provide meaningful benefits for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Its simplicity and adaptability make it a great addition to any playground, ensuring every child can take part and thrive.

Accessible and Engaging Design

The clear, brightly coloured markings used in our Shove Penny playground markings provide strong visual cues that are easy to follow, helping students with visual or cognitive challenges stay engaged. The tactile nature of sliding markers also adds a sensory element that can be particularly beneficial for children who learn best through hands-on activities.

Promoting Social Interaction

Shove Penny offers a structured way for pupils to interact with their peers, fostering inclusion and teamwork. By taking turns, working towards shared goals, and celebrating successes, the game helps build communication skills and boosts confidence in a supportive environment.

Flexibility to Meet Individual Needs

The game can be adjusted to suit individual abilities. For example, shorter sliding distances, larger or easier-to-handle markers, or simplified scoring rules can help students fully participate without feeling overwhelmed. Teachers and support staff can also create tailored challenges to meet specific developmental goals, ensuring every child gets the most out of playtime.

Why Our Permanent Markings Are Ideal for Your Playground

• Built to Last: Durable and weather-resistant, our markings stay vibrant and intact for years of daily use.
• Low-Maintenance: Our playground markings are a cost-effective, hassle-free solution requiring little to no upkeep.
• Exciting Looks: Our playground markings offer bright, engaging designs that attract children, making playtime active and fun so they cultivate new skills without the appearance of effort.

How to Encourage Creativity With Shove Penny Playground Markings

Inventing New Scoring Challenges

Teachers can invent new games where players aim to score specific totals, fostering strategic thinking and precision. For younger students, the zones can be used for simpler challenges, such as aiming to land a marker in the same zone multiple times or in a specific sequence.

Adding Them to Relay Races

Add excitement to PE lessons by incorporating Shove Penny markings into team relay activities. Students can race to land their markers in specific zones, combining physical movement with focus and coordination. This is an excellent way to integrate teamwork and active play into a competitive yet fun setting.

Making Up Maths Games

The numbered scoring zones offer an ideal platform for incorporating maths into play. Students can practise addition, subtraction, or multiplication by adding up their scores or creating target numbers to reach. These activities make maths more dynamic and engaging, particularly for those who thrive with hands-on learning.

Order Pristine New Playground Markings Here

Bring the timeless fun of Shove Penny to your school with our durable, high-quality playground markings. At Designs & Lines, we make it easy to create an engaging, inclusive space where students can play, learn, and thrive.

Explore our options for exciting playground markings, or contact us today to book a consultation or request a quote. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. With our hassle-free installation process, your new markings will be ready in no time, ensuring minimal disruption to the school day.