Playworks Illinois
Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
About
All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.
Latest News
January 2, 2019
Playworks Named 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit ›
Playworks is proud to receive the 2018 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. “Playworks is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits. “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support…
October 11, 2018
Fun with Playworks and Leadership for Greater Chicago ›
On September 13, Playworks staff and AmeriCorps coaches helped this year’s cohort of Leadership for Greater Chicago Fellows kick off a year of civic leadership and learning. Leadership for Greater Chicago (LGC) is a year-long Signature Fellows Program that immerses the most promising leaders from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors in the major socio-economic…
March 29, 2018
Meet AmeriCorps Coach Mel ›
Meet our rockstar coach, Melanie! Melanie, or Coach Mel, to her students, is spending her year of service at Chappell Elementary School, a longtime partner of Playworks Illinois. Coach Mel is from the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago. She studied exercise sport science at Judson University. She has a passion for service,…
February 27, 2018
Celebrating AmeriCorps Week with Service! ›
AmeriCorps Week is when we celebrate and highlight the great work of our AmeriCorps members across the nation. At Playworks Illinois, we want to give a huge whoosh clap to our AmeriCorps members for their commitment to service. Here is just one example of how they go above and beyond: This past January, Playworks Illinois…
A Better Recess
Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:
Kids are at their best
Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.
Kids become leaders
They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.
Kids choose to be active
When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.
