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
How Important the Role of Play is in a Child’s Overall Development May Surprise You ›
Playworks Coaches Max Langaard and Matthew Bailey on GMA ›
Impact Through the Power of Play ›
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 the Mid-Atlantic region.
Kids Reached in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the last year
Maryland
Connect with the Playworks team in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Kids Reached in the Mid-Atlantic Region 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
Virginia
Connect with the Playworks team in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Kids Reached in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the last year
Washington
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids Reached in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
West Virginia
Connect with the Playworks team in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Kids Reached in the Mid-Atlantic Region 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 important life skills. Learn about our impact ›
Stories
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…
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
Nonprofit Leadership Podcasts
August 5, 2019
How Important the Role of Play is in a Child’s Overall Development May Surprise You ›
Listen to our founder, Jill Vialet, in her recent interview with Rob Harter on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast as she explains why play is vital to a child’s healthy development.
July 26, 2019
Allianz Life Corporate Play Day ›
“Teach Me How To Play” Day with Allianz Life Allianz Life employees have joined Playworks Minnesota in numerous give-back events. At Earle Brown Elementary, Allianz Life employees volunteered for a Play Day of encouragement, role modeling, and kickball. Thank you Allianz Life for your ongoing partnership and support in making such a positive impact on the lives of students…
President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
June 14, 2019
Jill Vialet Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award by PCSFN ›
Playworks Founder Jill Vialet wins President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors individuals whose careers have greatly contributed to the advancement or promotion of physical activity, fitness, sports, or nutrition nationwide.
Good Morning America
June 3, 2019
Playworks Coaches Max Langaard and Matthew Bailey on GMA ›
Former Playworks Coach Max Langaard and Playworks Coach Matthew Bailey were featured on Good Morning America and were surprised with NBA finals tickets. They highlighted the lifetime bond they developed and their shared love of basketball. They’re both incredible role models! Watch their inspiring story.
