Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable social and emotional 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
Celebrating National Volunteers Week ›
Playworks is Hiring AmeriCorps coaches ›
RAND Review: Playworks Stands Out Among SEL Interventions ›
Playworks Near You
California
Connect with the Playworks team in Northern California and Southern California.
187,548
Kids Reached in California in the last year
District of Columbia
Connect with the Playworks team in Washington, D.C.
Kids Reached in Greater Washington d.c. in the last year
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
North Carolina
Connect with the Playworks team in North Carolina.
Kids Reached in North Carolina 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 served in Pennsylvania in the last year
Rhode Island
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids served in New England in the last year
Washington
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids Reached in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
3.5 Million
Children reached by December 2020
Playworks aims for 3.5 million children in 7,000 schools to experience safe, healthy play every day by 2020. 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 social and emotional skills. Learn about our impact ›
Stories
July 27, 2017
Why Kids Like Clinton Need Mentors ›
Last year I had a student, Clinton, who was pretty challenging. He was constantly being put on the fence by his teachers because of something he did in class or at lunch. He could be disrespectful…
February 3, 2016
Not-So-Junior Coach Matthew ›
When Playworks—then Sports4Kids—coach Max Langaard arrived at Manzanita school, Matthew Bailey was a shy third-grader. At home, he’d try to stay out of everyone’s way, and at school, he rarely spoke up during class. But Coach Max saw him…
News
February 28, 2018
The Art of Play: Why One Elementary School Revamped its Recess ›
Hollingsworth STEAM Academy in downtown Las Vegas launched its recess reboot with assistance from Playworks, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving playtime and, in the process, children’s overall well-being.
January 31, 2018
Playworks Expands Impact with USA Rugby Partnership ›
Playworks is teaming up with Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, Play Rugby USA, and USA Rugby Academy powered by Atavus under the new initiative, Impact Beyond! The initiative is aiming to develop an interest in youth rugby among kids and empower youth by highlighting the inclusive values of rugby. We’re excited to partner with other great, like-minded organizations on this…
January 22, 2018
Steph Curry Surprises Playworks Students at Get Fit Event ›
Emeryville, CA—January 22, 2018—Golden State Warriors MVP Steph Curry surprised Anna Yates Elementary students on the playground for a Get Fit event today. Get Fit is a collaborative initiative with the Golden State Warriors, Playworks, and Kaiser Permanente to educate Bay Area youth on the importance of healthy eating and active living. During Get Fit…
December 19, 2017
Playworks is Top 10 Education Finalist in Global 100&Change Competition ›
The MacArthur Foundation challenge drew over 1,904 applicants worldwide. See how play can change the world.
Events
Get in the Game Gala Events in 2018 ›
Get in the Game, our signature fundraiser is a perfect representation of Playworks: incomparably fun and seriously impactful. Find the closest Playworks event near you! Playworks will rock (paper, and scissors)…
May 10, 2018 @ 6:00 PM
Playworks San Francisco Get in the Game 2018 ›
Join us for our annual gala ‘Get In The Game’ hosted by Andrew East NFL Athlete and former Oakland Raider Enjoy an evening of inspiration, playful games, dinner and dance. By…
