Why We Play

  1. Updates

Playworks is the leading nonprofit leveraging the power of play to support and improve children's physical and emotional health. Focusing on recess, Playworks programs provide an opportunity for every student to learn collaboration, teamwork, respect, and inclusion – all through safe, fun, healthy play at school every day.

More Updates


February 7, 2023

Building Skill Through Play: Encouraging Students to Initiate and Sustain Games ›

The second semester of school is under way and it’s off to a great start! School staff have been working the entire first semester of school to create a welcoming environment at recess, teach conflict resolution skills, and play so many fun games. In January, school staff were focusing on encouraging students to initiate and…

February 3, 2023

Partnership Spotlight: Troy Community Consolidated School District ›

Playworks Illinois has so many wonderful partnerships with schools and districts throughout Illinois. One partnership we’re highlighting is with Troy Community Consolidated School District located in Will County. There are plenty of different pathways for partnerships with Playworks, so when Jill Tsoukalas, Executive Director of Instruction and Professional Development for the Troy school district reached…

January 17, 2023

Program Spotlight: TeamUp ›

Playworks offers a variety of service options to best meet the needs of our partner schools and youth serving organizations. TeamUp is a service that combines direct service and consultative support to schools to help build school staff capacity. A Playworks Site Coordinator serves in a consultant role for their schools throughout the year, utilizing…