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
September 3, 2020
How Equity, Trauma, and Play Intersect ›
The play opportunity gap Play is critical for healthy child development as it is a safe way for kids to experiment and practice building relationships and cooperating with others. And yet, even in normal circumstances before COVID-19, there wasn’t an equal opportunity for every kid to play. We need to make sure this disparity does…
August 17, 2020
Back to School, Back to Play ›
Donate Now As children prepare to go “back” to school – whether in-person, virtual or a hybrid of the two, we know that schools and educators are developing varied plans for reopening. No matter what variation of learning – online or in-person – schools and parents offer for the upcoming school year, Playworks…
August 14, 2020
Playful Ways to Build Relationships in 2020 ›
Rapport building is always key to a successful, engaging school year. When kids feel safe, empowered, and cared for, they are more likely to attend school, lean into their education, and develop critical social and emotional skills. This year, students around the country are going to school virtually, in-person with potential virtual experiences during COVID…
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…
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.
