Washington Parks Academy has a large population of students. The gym can hold a total of seven to eight classes at once. Initially maintaining an organized recess was a challenge that appeared to be impossible. Coach Rhi made many strides to facilitate play between the two groups of 3rd and 5th graders by establishing core recess games, but students still struggled with boundaries and respecting each other. She also continued to stress the importance of respect and focused her Class Game Times around recess and identifying boundaries. With the help of Coach Cal, our AmeriCorps Flex Member, recess has become more inviting and inclusive; students are respecting established boundaries and each other.
Friday’s Coach of the Day: Coach Rhi
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…
January 10, 2023
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…
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…