playworks

This week at Playworks Illinois, we are celebrating AmeriCorps Week by acknowledging the amazing work that our AmeriCorps Members are doing in their school communities. Ingrid Korsgard (or Coach Ingrid as the students call her) has already achieved some great things at Alessandro Volta Elementary School, and we are expecting a lot more from her before the…

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.

Francheska Santiago has a colorful and vibrant personality that is always on display at Howe School of Excellence on the west side of Chicago. A second year program coordinator, Coach Frankie, as students call her, has consistently high expectations and an encouraging nature. Every day she teaches, leads and encourages other adults to get involved involved on the playground.…

At Playworks Illinois, we’re lucky to have Coach Jen back for a second year! She’s bringing recess to Perkins Bass Elementary School on the South Side of Chicago. She continues to show her commitment to service and her school’s community by going above and beyond to ensure safe, meaningful and inclusive play. As a second…

At the end of the day, more kids get to play.  That’s what it’s all about.   Coach Fi looks on, as all the hard work he put into Boone Elementary School’s painting project came to fruition – Boone playground was transformed.   With the support of fellow coaches Kevin and Jenny as well as…

Alternative Breaks at the University of Kansas (KU), a student run volunteer organization, dedicated a week to immersing themselves in four diverse schools on the north, west and south sides of Chicago. The program is designed to help KU studetns gain perspective through education, direct service and reflection. And it worked! Through play, student volunteers…

Spring AND volleyballs are in the air in Chicago! Playworks Chicago's 2013 Boys & Girls Volleyball Extravaganza was a success, bringing in players from our partner schools across the city for a skills-building day that centered on our three group agreements: respecting the game, playing hard, and having fun!  Third and fourth grade students, most…

What do 8,000 kids at 15 low-income schools in Chicago have in common? They all receive safe, meaningful and inclusive play and physical activity everyday through Playworks! We welcome you and your company to join Playworks in an afternoon of nostalgia over green grass, a wide open field, and a big red bouncy ball at…

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose may still be sidelined with a knee injury, but the Playworks Girls Basketball League provided plenty of excitement on the hardwood this winter. Players showed off their dribbling, passing and defensive prowess while making coaches, parents and school staff proud with their ability to Respect the Game, Play Hard and Have Fun! Third…