Play of the Month: Sponsored by The Detroit Lions and Play 60

  1. Updates

A few times each year, Roosevelt Elementary School has an event called "Lunch with Mom.” This is a chance for moms to bring lunch to their child, eat with them in the cafeteria, and enjoy recess with them. Evan, a fifth grader at my school, was lucky enough to have his mom visit during this event last week. After lunch was over, we all headed out to the playground. Evan chose to play 4-square. His mom sat back and watched with this weird look on her face. I walked over and introduced myself as the Playworks Coach. She asked "are you the one who has them playing these games?" I told her yes, and explained the Playworks program and our mission. She then replied "Thank you." I smiled and said, "For what?" She replied, "Evan NEVER plays with other kids. He always stays to himself. This is AMAZING!" I thanked her for her support, and she hopped in the 4-square line to play along with her son!

Coach Bennie
Roosevelt Elementary School

More Updates


Vincent speaking to students
Vincent speaking to students

May 15, 2023

Let’s Create a Brighter Future Through Play ›

I am so thrilled to continue my journey with the Playworks Michigan team after joining as Executive Director in November 2022.  After only a few months I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the outstanding passion of Playworks Coaches, Site Coordinators, program staff, board, and volunteers, who are the heart of this organization.  Through…

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Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›

Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…

three people with Playworks shirts
three people with Playworks shirts

July 28, 2022

A year of social and emotional learning ›

“You can’t do SEL, trauma, or equity work without each other,” Jennette Claassen, Head of Evaluation, Playworks. As Playworks continued to progress on our equity journey, we explored a critical question: what are the intersections between play, social and emotional learning, physical activity, and trauma? A working group focused on this question decided, among other…