Playworks Utah
Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
About
All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.
Latest News
Fox 13's The Place
May 1, 2024
Playworks Helps Kids Play ›
Desi Arends, Executive Director at Playworks Utah, shares on Fox 13th’s the Place, how Playworks currently serves more than 60 schools in Utah and reaches more than 32,000 children directly…
PBS Utah
April 29, 2024
Playworks Utah’s Race to Reduce Bullying ›
Mary Dickson sits with Desi Arends, executive director of Playworks Utah, to talk about the Race to Reduce Bullying coming up on May 4 at Wheeler Farm.
January 24, 2024
Indoor Recess Transition Plan ›
From snow and cold to rain, smog, and everything in between, weather can throw a wrench in your outdoor recess plans. When inclement weather strikes, transitioning to indoor play can…
December 18, 2023
Playworks recognized as a NYSS Champion ›
Playworks becomes an NYSS Champion Playworks is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…
Upcoming Events
May 16, 2024
Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play Webinar ›
Create a more playful environment that supports every child’s mental well-being! In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics are teaming up for a…
A Better Recess
Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:
Kids are at their best
Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.
Kids become leaders
They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.
Kids choose to be active
When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.
Support Play
Our accomplishments would not have been possible without our community of supporters like you! With your help we are able to develop resources for kids to play on the playground and at home, create workbooks to support educators, create more equitable communities through our Equity Statement, design digital content for teachers and students, partner with community organizations to develop social/emotional curriculum, and bring safe and healthy play every day to our kids.