Playworks Blog

May 22, 2013
I am a Playworks Washington, DC program coordinator in my second term of AmeriCorps service. I serve full time at Bruce Monroe at Park View Elementary School bringing safe and inclusive play to all students. Around school I am known as Coach...
May 16, 2013
As we look at ways to create environments that allow teaching and learning to thrive, it's time to take a long, hard look at the critical role of recess in our schools. Recess has the potential to transform schools, and groups are finally...
May 15, 2013
For Bennett Elementary Principal Josette Buendia, the key to student success is keeping them on point both academically and behaviorally. And Playworks is helping her do both. In a low-income, high-need Detroit community challenged by high...
May 14, 2013
We’re excited to announce new research showing the power of a great recess! After years of hearing thousands of stories from teachers and principals in our partner schools telling us Playworks positively impacts school climate and student...
May 6, 2013
This fun tag game is great for students who are learning how to spell the names of colors. Integrating tag and spelling is a fun way to use physical activity to teach classroom lessons. The Game of the Week is Color Tag...
April 24, 2013
“They don’t want to play with me!” Jasmine says with frustration. “Every time I ask a group of kids to play a game with me, they run off. When I do get a chance to play, all I hear is, ‘that’s not how you play...
April 22, 2013
Tag games are fun, excited exhausting. And the game of tag is so simple, it allows opportunities for a wide variety of types of games. Here is just one exciting version of tag game: the Game of the Week is Elbow Tag...
April 18, 2013
Today is National High Five Day! High fives and fist bumps encourage camaraderie and make others smile. Let’s take today to do encourage this positivity and camaraderie -- especially after Monday’s tragedy at the Boston Marathon....
April 17, 2013
Chicago is a great city for both kids and adults! These spring weekends are the perfect time to go explore. Whether is warm or cold, rainy or sunny, one or more of these six places to play may be just right for you and your kids. The Peggy...
April 14, 2013
This simple team game builds community, develops hand eye coordination, and is a fun challenge for a group. Replace the bean bag with a unique item, such as a rubber chicken or stuffed animal, to add even more excitement to the game. The Game of the...