When students at Lew Wallace, IPS 107 get ready to rock recess every day, they turn to Playworks Indiana Coach Al to get them moving. Driven by his desire to work with kids and create an environment in which they can feel successful, Al made the move from Chicago to join the Playworks team in the fall of 2016.
At Lew Wallace, Coach Al uses safe and healthy play to make sure that every student has an opportunity to try out new skills, take on challenges, and feel comfortable reaching their potential. Coach Al knows that these lessons translate into the classroom. Success and camaraderie achieved at recess can be the boost kids need to collaborate and engage throughout the school day.
Al knows his recess is rocking when he can hear, see, and feel a healthy community playing. “You hear the laughter of the kids playing games, see the students and teachers playing together, and feel the positive energy of kids and teachers alike,” he says.
When he is not out at recess or leading Junior Coaches, Al refuels his play tank by getting outside for a bit of camping. Taking his coffee and books, and keeping an eye on his Chicago Cubs, he hits the dirt for a bit of on-the-trail play time.
Favorite attention getter:
During the rainy months of spring, Al get’s them started by saying, “Point to the sky and yell DON’T RAIN! Point to the ground and yell STAY DRY!”
Favorite recess game:
Kickball
Favorite Playworks cheer:
Who Rocks!
