Meet the Team Behind: Playworks

Playworks is a national nonprofit that “turns recess into a classroom” by placing trained coaches in low-income elementary schools, training teachers, and offering evidence-based consulting so every child can experience safe, inclusive play that builds leadership, conflict-resolution, and teamwork skills. Learn more about how Playworks fosters positive school environments here! 

What is the importance of playtime? 

Through play, children discover the joy of physical activity. They learn social and emotional skills that they use in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life. Active kids are stronger learners, and playing helps young brains develop creativity and flexibility. Play is especially important in schools, and Playworks believes that every child deserves the opportunity to play every day. The problem is that for many students, playtime is anything but playful. Recess can sometimes be exclusionary, creating fewer opportunities for physical activity and social development. When play is unsafe or conflict escalates, kids miss out on fun. By learning games and having time to play at school kids are able to explore creativity and leadership. 

Can you tell me about your process? 

Playworks helps schools and youth organizations create a place on the playground for every child to feel included, be active, and build valuable skills. We’ve learned that a holistic approach focusing on safety, engagement, and empowerment is needed. Instead of banning games like tag or playtime altogether, we help schools find ways to keep kids playing safely. Some kids don’t know how to play or aren’t asked to join, and our adults can set the tone by inviting kids to participate, and teaching rules of games using different learning styles. It’s important for students to feel empowered to play on their own or to start activities with other students, and our Junior Coach Leadership Program puts recess culture into the hands of capable upper-elementary students. 

What is “better recess” and how does it help kids?

Better recess brings out the best in kids through play. A thoughtful approach to recess improves physical health and mental development. Recess helps kids learn conflict resolution, leadership skills, and builds academic success. At a better recess, kids acquire tools to work out disagreements and differences. When they’re playing amongst their peers, kids have a valuable opportunity to develop a sense of fairness, confidence, and communication. Kids who are engaged during recess are more likely to participate in class, which means better attendance and better grades. In our schools, 95% of educators agree that Playworks helps create an engaging learning environment. 

What on-site services do you offer?

Our full-time coaches create a culture of play before, during, and after school every day in hundreds of low-income communities. With energy, imagination, high-fives, hula hoops, basketballs, and more, our coaches make the most of every minute to build a healthy school culture. We have expert consultants who visit schools each month to model and teach strategies, games, and systems to develop and sustain high-quality recess programs. Our staff training sharpens play facilitation skills with professional development, and we have online learning options to learn about games and best recess and playtime practices.