Playworks Minnesota
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
Allianz Life Insurance teams up with Playworks for 'Teach Me to Play Day'
May 16, 2019
Allianz Life Insurance teams up with Playworks for ‘Teach Me to Play Day’ ›
About 40 volunteers came out to play kickball at Earle Brown Elementary School in Brooklyn Center on Wednesday. Allianz Life Insurance teamed up with Playworks Minnesota for ‘Teach Me to Play Day.’ Not only did it provide lessons for fourth-graders in learning the game of kickball, but it was also about teaching kids leadership, teamwork,…
April 15, 2019
Twin Cities Orthopedics and Playworks Minnesota team with Turtle Lake Students for Day of Play ›
Twenty-eight Values Champions, employees who are ambassadors of TCO’s culture and exemplify the organization’s values, teamed up with Playworks to teach students the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at recess. Students learned inclusive games and team-building activities in a classroom setting, and participated in a recess period with volunteers to practice what they learned…
March 22, 2019
Playworks Earned a 2019 Gold Seal of Transparency ›
Playworks just earned a 2019 Gold Seal by adding information to our Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar. Now our community members as well as 10+ million GuideStar users can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make in the world. Plus, we’ve provided fresh…
KARE11
February 26, 2019
Indoor recess program keeps kids active in winter ›
Recess could easily be chaotic, especially with more than 1,000 kids cooped up indoors because it’s too snowy or cold. But at Turtle Lake Elementary School, indoor recess is organized. And fun. Coach Brandon Elsner’s job involves visiting classrooms and teaching kids games that are both active and simple.
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.
