Updates

kids playing basketball
kids playing basketball

November 30, 2022

Building Skill Through Play: Successful Game Participation ›

At Playworks, games are integral to what we do and in order to have a successful game, you need student engagement and participation. This November, our teams leaned into the…

August 29, 2022

Playworks Illinois 2021-2022 Impact Report ›

For the last 10 years, Playworks Illinois has given kids foundational skills for success on the playground, in the classroom, and in the community. We are the leading organization that…

three people with Playworks shirts
three people with Playworks shirts

July 28, 2022

A year of social and emotional learning ›

“You can’t do SEL, trauma, or equity work without each other,” Jennette Claassen, Head of Evaluation, Playworks. As Playworks continued to progress on our equity journey, we explored a critical…

June 22, 2022

2022 Kickball Tournament ›

On Saturday, June 11, Playworks Illinois held our 9th Annual Kickball Tournament. The tournament was such a fun first event back after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teams gave it their…

August 24, 2021

Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›

Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts,…

March 25, 2021

Top 6 Games to Play Physically Distant with No Equipment ›

As more and more schools transition back to in-person learning, we know educators are looking for games that are physically-distant and don’t require equipment. The need for play is more…

March 12, 2021

Playworks: One Year Later ›

One year ago… All of our partner schools closed their buildings and our work serving kids in schools risked coming to a halt. We knew our mission had to continue.…

December 15, 2020

Top 6 Games to Play Virtually ›

Many educators have risen to the challenge of transitioning their lessons to accommodate virtual education, and Playworks has been helping educators ensure play remains in every child’s day, even online.…

October 6, 2020

Using Play to Foster Social Connections and Physical Activity ›

Play isn’t just fun and games – it’s a vital aspect of our health and well-being. When we play, we engage our bodies, minds, and senses, creating opportunities for increased…