Impact
Playworks brings out the best in every kid, through play.
In partnership with teachers, principals, and parents, we build a culture of play that enables kids to feel a real sense of belonging and have the opportunity to contribute on the playground, in the classroom, and into their communities. A randomized control trial by Stanford University and Mathematica Policy Research found that compared to students at similar schools, Playworks students were more physically active and teachers reported that students had greater feelings of school safety and less bullying behavior.
Bring Playworks to Your School
Get in touch to find support for your school, organization, or community.
RAND Review: Playworks in Top ESSA Tier for Evidence of Impact
Playworks Coach is a Tier I social-emotional learning intervention for elementary schools, meeting rigorous evaluation requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the new report by RAND Corporation and The Wallace Foundation.
Reports & Research
The impact of a multi-component physical activity programme in low-income elementary schools
Health Education Journal, April 2017
The impact of a recess-based leadership program on urban elementary school students
Journal of Applied Sports Psychology, April 2017
Building A Culture of Health Through Safe and Healthy Elementary School Recess
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, February 2016
Strategies for Recess in Schools
US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shape America, January, 2017
The Crucial Role of Recess in Schools
Pediatrics, January 2013
School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior
American Academy of Pediatrics, February 2009
We’ve gone from kind of dreading teaching the period right after recess to it being a very productive academic time.
Audra Philippon
Principal
Discover our Impact
November 6, 2018
Empowering Kids to be Courageous ›
Eric is a kindergarten student who rarely chose to play at recess. He was pleasant and talkative with teachers and recess staff, but was hesitant to interact with classmates. One day, Eric came to recess carrying a napkin, on which he had written, “I want to play Paper Clip Football.” Paper Clip Football is a…
November 7, 2018
Bringing Out the Kindness from Within ›
When I first arrived at my school as the new Playworks Coach, I found that many students came to school tired and cranky, and were quick to fight, swear, cheat, and lie during recess games. However, there were some students who wanted to cooperate and participate, demonstrating respect, responsibility, inclusivity and healthy play. I needed…
November 8, 2018
Helping Students Uncover their Leadership Potential ›
When I showed my principal the list of students accepted to our school’s Junior Coach program this year, she gasped. One fifth grade name in particular stood out to her. I didn’t know Lailaney’s story, but it turned out she was the school’s inspiration to partner with Playworks. During her third grade year, the playground…
Bring Playworks to Your School
Find support for schools, districts, and youth organizations. Get in touch to learn more.