Building Skill Through Play: Using Positive Communication

  1. Updates

“Good job, nice try!” That’s one of our favorite encouragements at Playworks and you’ll hear it a lot out on a Playworks playground during recess. We utilize this phrase during game play and other activities at school as a replacement for  “you’re out,” shifting to a positive affirmation vs. a negative comment that can result in a student disengaging. In March, Playworkers in schools have been working on lighting lingo: positive communication at school.

This means they’ve been placing extra emphasis on being kind and encouraging to one another. They’re doing this by equipping students with a multitude of encouraging sayings and also modeling that for them.

When students are using positive and encouraging language, they are creating a safe, inclusive place at school for every kid. When established during play and out at recess, these practices and phrases show up in the classroom and start to become embedded in overall school culture/climate. Last school year, 94% of the educators at our partner schools reported in the Annual Survey that Playworks improved their overall school climate.

Creating a positive school climate means that  students can come to school with less stress and fear around being bullied, or not being picked for a game, or yelled at for missing the ball, and are able to relax and have fun knowing they are in a safe place. Then they are all ready to go back to the classroom. 

This is just one way Playworks is helping to support a positive school environment for every student. Check out our last blog post about February’s skill focus, managing disappointment. And check back soon for April’s skill focus! 

More Updates


September 18, 2023

Play Leadership Essentials Workshops ›

Our two-day virtual interactive workshop teaches proven strategies to foster a stronger sense of engagement, develop social and emotional skills, and enhance opportunities for physical activity. Taught by professional Playworks…

August 30, 2023

OneAmerica Week of Caring 2023 ›

For ten years, OneAmerica has demonstrated the importance of investing in each of their communities through their annual Week of Caring. Playworks was (once again) thrilled to be a part…

August 29, 2023

Playworks Indiana 2022-2023 Impact Report ›

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