Contents

Introduction to the intersect of play and physical activity

Build Friendships

Connect with People of All Ages

Feel Part of a Community

Adults Strengthen Connection

Playworks Increases Physical Activity 

Impact of Playworks by the Numbers

Additional Resources

Play helps us form connections with one another.

Play is a powerful way to help kids and adults build meaningful relationships. Whether it is a high-five after a great game or resolving a disagreement over a rule, play creates shared experiences that encourage trust, empathy, and connection. These small moments build stronger communities in schools and community-based programs. 

Through play, kids…

Build Friendships

Games provide a natural setting for kids to cooperate, take turns, and support one another. Through play, we learn to navigate relationships and build lasting bonds by achieving shared goals.

Recess is a time when kids have the opportunity to interact with peers outside of their normal groups, and to feel safe making new friends through participation in fun activities with others.

Play-based learning is also a great way for kids to learn about respect and kindness. Kids have the opportunity to reflect on how they want to be treated, and how they treat others. Through this learning, they can both form new connections and deepen friendships.

Check out these games that help practice the skills needed to encourage and strengthen friendships.

Connect with People of All Ages

Playing together is one of the ways we create strong connections with other people at all ages, and of all ages. When we play, we are connecting, collaborating, cooperating, communicating, and solving problems.

By removing barriers to play, we can create space for connections to happen across ages and grade levels. When adults play with kids, it creates moments of mutual respect and joy. These interactions help kids feel seen, valued, and supported by trusted adults.

Here are six ways adults can set up students for success with developing these critical relationship skills at recess that help them immediately and that last throughout their time in the workforce in adulthood.

Feel Part of a Community

From coming up with class or team cheers to planning large group games, play gives kids an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. This then becomes a shared language that each school, organization, or neighborhood community can adapt and make their own.

When kids play, they engage with their peers in meaningful ways that build their sense of community as well as their own social capital.

Try using a favorite Playworks game that intentionally encourages students to include everyone and work together, such as these games to help kids connect and build community.

Through play, adults…

Strengthen Their Own Connections

Play isn’t just for kids. When adults play together during staff meetings and/or training, or even a quick game at lunch, it fosters collaboration, reduces stress, and builds a more supportive work environment.

Social skills are just as important for adults as for kids. By practicing them every day in the workplace, we improve the quality of our work, the health of our community, and our ability to model these skills for children.

Playworks Support Relationship Building

Playworks helps schools and community-based organizations build stronger communities through play. Our on-site coaching, professional development, and digital solutions give kids and adults tools to connect, communicate, and grow together.

Explore how Playworks Coaches like Isaiah Marshall are helping students and staff build connections that extend beyond recess.