Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable life skills through play
What a Better Recess Does
Conflict Resolution
Recess doesn’t have to be chaotic. At a better recess, kids acquire tools to work out disagreements and differences.
Leadership Skills
When they’re playing amongst their peers, kids have a valuable opportunity to develop a sense of fairness, confidence, and communication.
Academic Success
Kids who are engaged during recess are more likely to participate in class, which means better attendance and better grades.
Updates
25th Anniversary ›
In the last 25 years… Playworks has impacted a generation of children by bringing the power of play to kids across the country. What began with Founder Jill Vialet’s visit to one principal’s office has grown to serve 2,174,400 kids through 3,259 school partnerships, out-of-school providers, and community organizations through on-site services, professional development, and…
Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›
Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts, have demonstrated precisely how and why play works to help kids learn and grow in the most positive and healthy ways. Jill gathered stories from people…
Careers ›
Join our team! Playworks is changing the way children experience school every day by leveraging the power of safe and healthy play. Our core values of inclusion, respect, healthy community, and healthy play are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work, including recruiting and retaining the best talent we can.
Playworks Near You
California
Connect with the Playworks team in Northern California and Southern California.
334,652
Kids Reached in California in the last year
District of Columbia
Playworks happily offers trainings and support in District of Columbia.
Massachusetts
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Hampshire
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Jersey
Connect with the Playworks team in New Jersey.
Kids Reached in New Jersey in the last year
Oregon
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids served in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
Pennsylvania
Connect with the Playworks team in Pennsylvania.
Kids Reached in Pennsylvania in the last year
Rhode Island
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
3.5 Million
Children reacheD in 7,000 Schools
Playworks is aiming to ensure 3.5 million children experience safe, healthy play every day. Click on your state to explore what Playworks is doing near you.
Elementary students with strong social and emotional skills are . . .
Recess is a natural learning lab for important life skills. Learn about our impact ›
Stories
May 15, 2020
Recess is Necessary ›
Researchers agree: it’s important to prioritize recess in how schools approach re-opening. The research community has come together to establish the Global Recess Alliance in an effort to bring attention to the essential role of recess…
April 26, 2019
Stories from the Playground: Coach Hoops ›
It’s not every day that a Playworks #AmeriCorps Coach is honored by the Los Angeles Lakers, complete with a basketball clinic hosted by legendary forward A.C. Green. Then again, being treated to a center court awards…
News
BBC
January 21, 2022
The Compass: Why We Play ›
Playworks was featured in a recent BBC segment. This episode of The Compass’ ‘Why We Play’ series explored the role of play in “building our understanding of our surroundings, culture and even ourselves” and visited a Playworks partner school to explore how we’re using play to teach skills such as conflict resolution and leadership.
January 10, 2022
An expression of generosity from MacKenzie Scott ›
“Each unique expression of generosity will have value far beyond what we can imagine or live to see.” – MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist and novelist Playworks is honored to receive a gift from MacKenzie Scott! This generous gift will help us make play accessible to more kids and fund our work with schools and community-based organizations…
November 5, 2021
AAA’s Creating Safe Spaces Guide and Lesson Plan ›
In partnership with AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah School Safety Patrol program, we’re proud to share teacher-led and student self-guided digital educational resources for Creating Safe Spaces – an interactive guide for students on how to have courageous conversations. AAA Creating Safe Spaces Overview This lesson is all about students being leaders in creating…
September 21, 2021
Playworks Inaugural Day of Giving ›
Join us as we celebrate 25 years of play! Kids need to play more than ever. This year, Playworks is celebrating our 25th anniversary. That’s 25 years of inclusive games, positive language, high-fives, conflict resolution techniques, skill development, and more. We need your support to continue bringing kids the #powerofplay for the next 25 years.…
Events
May 18, 2022 @ 6:00 PM
Get in the Game 25th Anniversary Gala ›
Playworks is celebrating a milestone anniversary. We are commemorating safe and healthy play and a generation of impact during our Playworks Get in the Game 25th Anniversary Gala. Join us…
Rock Paper Scissors Tournament 2022 ›
Do you have what it takes to be the winner of the largest Rock Paper Scissors game of all time? Playworks’ Rock Paper Scissors Tournament finale will be a fun,…
