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
March 25, 2021
Top 6 Games to Play Physically Distant with No Equipment ›
As more and more schools transition back to in-person learning, we know educators are looking for games that are physically-distant and don’t require equipment. The need for play is more important than ever due to the isolation that our kids have endured during COVID-19. Play encourages creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and other critical social skills. We’ve…
March 12, 2021
Playworks: One Year Later ›
One year ago… All of our partner schools closed their buildings and our work serving kids in schools risked coming to a halt. We knew our mission had to continue. We remained committed to providing opportunities for joy and connection through play for kids in a COVID safe way, regardless if their school was virtual,…
December 15, 2020
Top 6 Games to Play Virtually ›
Many educators have risen to the challenge of transitioning their lessons to accommodate virtual education, and Playworks has been helping educators ensure play remains in every child’s day, even online. Kids prioritize play, and with our support educators are leveraging play when teaching virtually in order to keep kids engaged, active, and to build community.…
November 9, 2020
Play Builds Serious Skills ›
Playtime is many things. It’s fun for children. It’s an escape for busy parents. But it’s much more than that. According to Dr. Stephanie M. Carlson, distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota, and Reflection Sciences co-founder, “Play is about as ‘blueprinted’ a behavior as you can have in terms of basic survival and reproduction.” Furthermore,…
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.
