About
All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.
A Well-Rounded Student
“Playworks gives students the opportunity to have fun in a productive way. It really helps our students become the kinds of collaborators and teammates that we want them to be.”
– Moira Thomas
Teacher at Academy of the Americas Elementary-Middle School
A Better Recess
Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:
Kids are at their best
Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.
Kids become leaders
They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.
Kids choose to be active
When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.
Latest News
Dearbook Press & Guide
May 26, 2022
Soccer Jamboree held in Dearborn ›
In a rare double-feature event, Playworks hosted a Soccer Jamboree, as well as a Rock, Paper, Scissors qualifying tournament that will be part of an attempted Guinness World Record later this year. During the jamboree, students were taught confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship, along with leadership skills.
Bridge Michigan
April 20, 2022
Recess needed more than ever, but lacking in too much of Michigan ›
Roughly one in five elementary school students gets less than 20 minutes of recess time each day, according to a new survey of school administrators conducted by the Coalition for Michigan Schoolchildren’s Right to Play, a coalition convened by Playworks Michigan. Along with its survey results, the Coalition for Michigan Schoolchildren’s Right to Play issued guidance…
Crain's Detroit Business
March 28, 2022
Corporate recess could be coming to an employer near you ›
Playworks Michigan pilots Corporate Recess post-pandemic employee team building. Think you’re too old to play tag or dodge a ball? Playworks doesn’t. It’s launching “corporate recess” team-building activities with Southeastern Michigan employers to help adult employees bond, whether they’re staying on Zoom a bit longer or heading back to the office.
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, have demonstrated precisely how and why play works to help kids learn and grow in the most positive and healthy ways. Jill gathered stories from people…
Regional Partners
Get in Touch
We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in. Contact us to find out more about Playworks Michigan.
