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
July 17, 2020
Prioritize a trauma-sensitive approach for the 2020-21 school year ›
Playworks believes in a trauma-sensitive approach Educators should focus on providing a trauma-sensitive approach to the reopening of school. Students are all having different experiences right now. For some students, the shutdown of schools due to COVID has provided them with a welcome reprieve from toxic situations or stressors. For others, it has created an…
July 16, 2020
Safe Return to Play & Recess Guidelines ›
Playworks is helping schools continue to reimagine recess. For the past 24 years, Playworks has partnered with elementary schools to help kids stay active and build valuable social-emotional skills through play. As schools prepare re-opening plans, we want to help provide resources for implementing both in-school and virtual play or recess experiences. We developed Recess…
July 8, 2020
Play at Home: Go for a Walk Games ›
Explore your neighborhood in a new way. Summer trips may be closer to home this year, or might just include a lot of exploring your neighborhood. Simply taking a walk is not only great exercise but also a fun way to discover the little details that we all may overlook in the hustle and bustle…
June 9, 2020
Play At Home: Week of June 15, 2020 ›
Social-Emotional Skill of the Week: Decision Making & Problem Solving Responsible Decision Making is the ability to make good decisions. Resources for the Week of June 15, 2020 Game of the Day Challenge Are you ready to #PlayAtHome? We are challenging students and families to learn and play one new game each day! This week’s…
Regional Partners
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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.
