Impact
Playworks brings out the best in every kid, through play.
Playworks designed our programs to be fun for everyone. The act of playing naturally creates many benefits. Researchers have turned to Playworks to learn about the benefits of play, high-quality recess, and more. The results of programming are astounding.
For exmaple, 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.
The Impact of a Multi-Component Physical Activity Programme in Low-Income Elementary Schools
Playworks Coach is a physical activity program that was found to increase the amount of positive interactions between adults and students and decrease the amount of conflict on the playground.
Reports & Research
November 8, 2022
Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) Retrospective Self-Change (RSC) survey ›
Between Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, Playworks collaborated with Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) to collect data across 8 regions involving 710 4th and 5th graders in schools offering…
May 11, 2018
Evidence-based Strategies for a Beneficial School Recess ›
Based on the evidence obtained from the authors’ investigation with Playworks participants and coaches, five strategies were identified for health and physical education practitioners to consider in the implementation of…
March 22, 2018
Development of the great recess framework-observational tool to measure contextual and behavioral components of elementary school recess ›
This study established initial evidence for a valid and reliable assessment tool to observe school recess environments with a specific focus on safety, resources, student engagement, adult engagement, pro-social/anti-social behavior,…
July 27, 2021
Recess Quality and Social and Behavioral Health in Elementary School Students ›
High quality recess contributes to the executive function, emotional self-control, resilience, and positive classroom behavior in elementary school children. Citation: Massey WV, Thalken J, Szarabajko A, Neilson L, Geldhof, J.…
April 20, 2021
Memories of school recess predict physical activity enjoyment and well-being in adults ›
This study examined adults’ memories of their recess experience and how they are associated with various aspects of adulthood, such as social isolation, meaning, and purposes, physical activity enjoyment. Key…
January 1, 2017
Strategies for Recess in Schools ›
In Jan 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SHAPE America released new guidance documents for recess. Playworks contributed to the development of these guidance documents and…
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 26, 2024
Tyliyah Becomes a Team Player ›
When Tyliyah started the school year, her teacher noticed she often self-isolated and struggled to work in groups. Coach Isaiah, along with her teacher Ms. White, saw her potential and…
November 26, 2024
Strengthening a School Through Play ›
Coach Isaiah Marshall is changing lives. Playgrounds are the foundation of many important roles at schools. They are where friendships are formed, new games are played, and life-long skills are…
September 13, 2021
Developing leaders on and off the playground ›
Before Playworks came to Gustavo’s school, he says recess was bland with just three options for how to spend the time. After Playworks came, there were actual games, regulations for…
Bring Playworks to Your School
Find support for schools, districts, and youth organizations. Get in touch to learn more.