Playworks Michigan
Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
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.
Latest News
October 2, 2019
Expanding the Power of Play Across the State ›
We have a vision—of safe, healthy play occurring throughout the state. It is a vision that, with each passing day, is becoming a reality. In fact, for the recently inaugurated 2019-2020 school year, Playworks Michigan is partnering with 17 new schools in three new cities in mid and western Michigan. Let the games begin. In…
September 23, 2019
Playworks Michigan Giving Detroit Schools a Makeover ›
Playworks Michigan and StockX volunteers teamed up to promote the need for safe and healthy play everyday by transforming a plain blacktop at a local elementary school into a colorful space for kids to play. Volunteers stayed for recess to play alongside students and show kids how to play and be respectful to each other.
September 23, 2019
It’s Recess Checkup Week ›
It can be hard to understand the impact that your play space has on your school’s culture and your students’ experience, and while there are a lot of solutions worth trying, it’s tough to know what’s working and what’s not. Recess Lab is designed to help more principals, teachers, and students discover the power of…
September 17, 2019
Playworks Junior Coach Program named in DOJ’s ‘Promising Program’ ›
Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reviewed evidence of the Playworks Coach program and found that the program met the criteria for a Promising Program intended to improve school attendance. The DOJ invests in reviewing research that shows programs positively impact attendance because higher rates of kids attending school “prevents or reduce crime, delinquency, or…
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.
Regional Partners
