About Playworks New Orleans

Playworks New Orleans is bringing the power of play to four low-income schools in New Orleans, serving 1600 students. We are excited to make recess a reality in New Orlean's elementary schools, providing children the chance to play and learn in safe, nurturing environments each school day.

The 2011-12 school year marks the fourth year of Playworks programming in New Orleans. Our 5-component approach to increasing opportunities for safe, meaningful and inclusive play in schools has been proven to increase student engagement in physical activity, boost academic time in the classroom, and create a more positive school climate. 

• Recess: Our Program Coordinators create a safe, respectful and inclusive playground by teaching kids the rules and strategies of games, recruiting disengaged students, and introducing new activities onto the recess space. 
• Junior Coach Program: Program Coordinators nurture a cadre of students to serve as Junior Coaches (JCs) and leaders in the school community. JCs participate in monthly trainings that focus on leadership, conflict resolution techniques and responsibility. This peer leadership program has been successful in helping improve kids’ self-esteem, leadership ability and desire to improve academically. 
• Class Game Time: Program Coordinators lead individual classes where students are able to learn a variety of games in a small setting, providing a foundation of skills and tools that will allow for greater participation in recess. The Playworks curriculum focuses on core recess games as well as a variety of cooperative games that help students practice teamwork, communication and build rapport between classmates. 
• Interscholastic Leagues: Playworks developmental sports leagues are non-competitive and are designed to develop skills, provide a positive team experience and teach good sporting behavior to students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in sports. Each team has a chance to play a game with another Playworks school, further connecting the community of students whom we reach, and providing an opportunity for families and school staff to come out and support their students. 
• Out-of-School Time: Program Coordinators provide even more opportunities for physical activity and character-building activities during and after school, or through before-school activities.