Playworks staff from around the country descended on Detroit playgrounds to show children the power of play. No game was off limits, as long as it was fun and safe. Four square, tag, and kickball were just a few of the games children played during Playworks weeklong visit to Detroit.
“Recess Rollout is an opportunity for us to introduce Playworks to students, teachers, principals and potential funding sources”, says Honour McClellan, program director from Playworks in Baltimore who served as the program lead for the Detroit rollout. “Playworks is transforming schools around the country and we really wanted to get to Detroit”.
Eight schools were selected for Detroit’s rollout, including Davidson Elementary, Burns Elementary, Bennett Elementary, Duke Ellington Conservancy, Bethune Academy, Phoenix Academy, Spain Elementary and Dixon Elementary.
“The first day was awesome and before I knew it, it was over! The kids, staff, and especially the vice principal, Mr. Coleman, were amazing!” blogged Michelle Barron, a three-year coach from Playworks in Silicon Valley.
Coach Tes Siarnacki from Boston reflected on her week in Detroit and a fourth grade student that gave her the greatest challenge. She harnessed his energy and made him a junior coach for the day, assigning him with the responsibility of helping the younger students during their recess.
