Contents

Introduction to the intersect of play and physical activity

Physical and Motor Skills

Skills used in the Classroom and Workforce

Leadership Skills

Interpersonal Skills 

Impact of Playworks by the Numbers

Additional Resources

Through play, kids practice critical skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

These are skills they’ll rely on in the classroom, in their communities, and in future workplaces. When students take turns, lead games, or resolve conflicts on the playground, they’re developing habits that prepare them for success.

When kids play, they develop…

Physical and Motor Skills

Play is a great way to help kids get physically active and develop motor skills. Through play, children practice and refine both gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills show up in large movements such as games that involve running and jumping, while fine motor skills occur with more precise movements, like constructing with small blocks or working out puzzles.

When kids play, it provides them with an opportunity to move in new ways, and further hone these motor skills. By sampling different sports and games, kids take physical risks and try new skills in a low stakes environment, from dribbling a basketball to jumping rope. They can play one sport or game one day, and something completely new the next, learning new movements and skills with each.

By introducing activities like these ball games, kids at Playworks schools enjoy increased physical activity and develop motor skills critical to them now and in the future.

Skills used in the Classroom and Workforce

When problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, and more are practiced on the playground, students carry these skills with them into the classroom and their future workplaces. 

Games can present frequent opportunities to connect, collaborate, share ideas, take turns, and work toward a common goal. All of these skill sets are essential for working with others in the classroom, in other areas of their life, and eventually in the workforce. 

Furthermore, research findings suggest that play can have immediate, beneficial effects on a child’s Executive Function – the skill set that allows for conscious control of thoughts, actions, and emotions. This distinct set of skills is imperative to school readiness and academic success.

Through these rotational games, Playworks helps kids have a chance to jump in and out of a variety of games, and practice a multitude of skills.

Leadership Skills

Seeing adults get in the game can serve as a great example for aspiring student leaders. When adults model skills like leadership, respect, collaboration, kids see those values in action and start to reflect them in their behaviors. 

From there, kids can also emerge as confident leaders, learning how to be positive role models for others. When kids lead a game, teach each other rules, or encourage their peers, they develop initiative and a deepened sense of purpose within their larger community. 

Students who have leadership opportunities, like as Playworks Junior Coaches, self-report an increase in areas such as assertiveness, perseverance, and reflection. These skills help them as they work on projects together in class and will stay with them as the foundation for the skills they’ll need to navigate their future workplace.

Kids can step up as leaders and practice these skills with these autonomous self-led games.

Interpersonal Skills.

When engaging in play, kids practice interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and cooperation. When they are playing together, kids learn to listen to others, express themselves clearly, and resolve disagreements in ways that help everyone stay engaged. 

Through play, kids also practice resolving their own conflicts. Disagreements inevitably arise during games, but with simple, playful strategies, kids learn how to navigate disagreements, utilizing communication, respect, and judgement. Gaining experience navigating low-stakes situations, such as deciding if a ball was in or out of bounds, enables them to practice the skills while focusing on shared goals, like continuing to play.

Through these cooperative games, Playworks helps kids learn to play, and work, together.

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Playworks Supports Skill Development

Playworks helps schools, youth programs, and community organizations turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences. Through on-site coaches, staff training, and digital resources, our evidence-based approach creates environments where students practice and develop critical skills through play.