Using play to develop students’ social skills and improve positive school culture

Happy schools support student learning. In order to create happy schools, we must consider how to create an environment where kids want to attend, participate, and succeed. By focusing on improving recess, Playworks is able to do just that.

“Playworks has enabled us to have more laughter and less fear, more players and less spectators, more encouragement and less put-downs, more order and less chaos, and more confidence and less uncertainty. Above all, Playworks has brought us less frowns and more smiles," said Principal Michael Aaronian at Lupine Hills Elementary School in California.

study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University, found that Playworks led to a fundamental positive shift in school climate in just one school year. The study also noted that a positive school climate has been linked to a host of favorable student outcomes, from attendance to achievement.

Playworks strengthens the social, emotional, and physical development of children by including and engaging every child in healthy play. Our programming restores valuable teaching time, reduces bullying, and increases physical activity, shifting the school culture into an environment that is conducive for youth to thrive.

 

Check out these six ways to improve kids’ social skills.

 

More Updates


March 19, 2024

Research Shows Girls at Playworks Schools Get More Physical Activity ›

If you ask a group of students what their favorite part of the school day was, many answers will include something that happened at recess. That’s because the playground is…

photo os CO coaches
photo os CO coaches

March 11, 2024

AmeriCorps Week 2024 ›

This week, we are spotlighting our Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches and saying #AmeriThanks! During #AmeriCorpsWeek, we are giving our best Appreciation Claps to our 74 AmeriCorps Members completing their service year…

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…