Playworks PNW

For almost 30 years, Playworks has helped schools figure out what works well on their playgrounds. For recess to reinforce school culture, we’ve learned that a holistic approach is needed. Here are a few of the focus areas Playworks helps schools address: Safety, Engagement, and Empowerment Safety: Many schools ban games like tag. Some ban recess altogether. If the nurse’s and principal’s offices are filled to capacity after lunch each day, it is time to rethink recess. Instead of banning games or playtime, we help schools find ways to keep kids playing. For example, recess monitors can teach students to tag using light “butterfly fingers” to keep scrapes and bruises manageable. Kids can learn to use rock, paper, scissors to solve problems quickly and keep playing. They can give high fives and say “good job, nice try” when peers rotate to the back of the line in Foursquare. Recess is a perfect opportunity to develop school-wide norms for conflict resolution and community. Engagement: We all have times when what feels good is to “sit this one out.” But some kids sit on the sidelines all the time: they don’t know how to play or aren’t invited to join in. Recess should be a time when everyone feels welcome. Adults can set the tone by inviting children to play, reminding students of the rules using different learning styles. Introducing fun variations on traditional playground games like Crossover Dodgeball, where the goal is to get everyone to the other side and no one is “out” is another way to make recess fun for everyone. Empowerment: Students who were formerly causing trouble have turned into leaders. The faculty has been able to concentrate more on the curriculum rather than fixing the issues, and the classrooms have become more peaceful and a safer learning environment. The Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Program puts the recess culture into the hands of capable upper-elementary students.

Playworks brings out the best in kids, through play Playtime is kids’ time. But schools can and should create play environments that help kids be their best. Studies show that recess matters: a thoughtful approach to recess improves children’s skill development and physical health. Playworks helps schools and districts make the most of recess through on-site staffing, consultative support, professional development, free resources, and more. We also support youth programs and other organizations that wish to improve playtime.