Recess is when kids learn to solve problems, make decisions, take turns, express their ideas, and listen to others. Adults can help. Playworks Pro provides training and ongoing professional development to school administrators, teachers, and staff to create and maintain a great recess throughout the school year. We also provide training for staff at youth-serving organizations.

 

Schools using Playworks Pro see a measurable difference.


98%of educators report an increase in the number of students engaged in healthy play at recess
95%of educators agree that Playworks improves overall school climate
86%of educators report a decrease in the amount of class time spent resolving conflicts

Playworks Pro Workshops

Our workshops teach proven strategies to create and maintain a great recess throughout the school year. Our professional trainers help your team discover shared, play-based strategies for recess supervision, group management, and conflict resolution and give your team opportunities for group reflection and action planning.

The Power of Play: 
Energize your team through play-based practices that lay the foundation for a safe, healthy recess environment.

Group Management: Learn five key group management strategies adults can use to set youth up for successful group behavior.

 

Game Facilitation: Learn to teach and facilitate games in ways that are inclusive of all learning styles and to create smooth transitions between activities.

 

Indoor Recess Design: Learn new indoor games and create action plans to keep kids active and engaged indoors, no matter the space available.

Advanced Workshops:
Choose from topics like Recess Youth Leadership, Recess Sustainability, and more. Or, schedule a consultative visit.

Online Learning: After your training, staff have access to PlayworksU: bite-sized online courses that support in-person learning. Learn More

Depending on your staff capacity and goals, we can help you select the option that’s best for your school, district, or youth organization.

Customize a training plan for your staff

About Playworks Pro

Effective, fun, professional service

All of our programs are taught by professional trainers and have been carefully designed to impart tangible tools. Our objective is for your staff to become more successful in helping youth play well together, share, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership. FAQ

Anywhere in the U.S.

It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, Playworks provides high-energy workshops with coaching and support in your community. Our dedicated trainers work on location in schools and youth organizations of all sizes. This ensures every client receives high-quality, cost-effective service.

Tailored to your needs

Trainings are intended for groups of ten or more participants, from half-day workshops to full-year partnerships. Depending on your staff capacity and goals, we can help you select the option that’s best for your school or district. Playworks Pro is also available for youth organizations.

Playworks Case Studies

two girls playing on blacktop
two girls playing on blacktop

November 8, 2022

Play Contributes to Safe and Healthy Communities ›

Play is an essential part in building safe and healthy communities where children feel connected and invested in the world around them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Play…

kids playing on blacktop
kids playing on blacktop

September 30, 2022

How Social and Emotional Support Rewires Brains—and Schools ›

“Better recess creates better learning. Happier children learn better.”  – Victoria Grau, Recess Supervisor, John Garvy Elementary School, Chicago, IL “Happy kids learn better” may seem like good common sense—but…

kids running on playground
kids running on playground

October 24, 2022

Kids are Still Recovering from Pandemic Losses. Play Can Help. ›

As pandemic school closures recede into memory for many schools, the impacts linger. Kids, educators, and families are still working on creating a new normal.  One working paper from the…

Explore Our Services


Onsite Coaches

Create a culture of play before, during, and after school every day with a skilled Playworks Coach.

Playworks Coach

Consultative Support

Equip your recess team through on-site support and modeling during the school day.

Playworks TeamUp

Recess Reboot

Staff Training

Sharpen play facilitation skills with professional development for your staff.

Playworks Pro for Schools

Playworks Pro for Youth Organizations

Online Learning

Experience the power of play with bite-sized online courses or subscribe to weekly, curated content.

PlayworksU

Keep Playing

Get A Training Assessment

For a personalized assessment of how Playworks Pro can make a difference at your school or organization, get in touch and a local Playworks account manager will respond directly.

Contact us