Gaga Pit Invigorates Indoor Recess

  1. Updates

When Coach Saja learned that Sport Resource Group had donated a Gaga Pit to Playworks Minnesota last month, she immediately asked if American Indian Magnet School (AIMS) could be the first to try it out. After a successful introduction to the game during our Junior Coach Conference last month, the gaga pit was set up in the lobby of AIMS, where Coach Saja and her students have been able to enjoy it during indoor recess.

"The gaga ball pit brought a breath of fresh air to my indoor recess. Every teacher and every child — elementary and middle school — that walks past wants to join the game or at least know what it is. I have had nearly every classroom teacher play, two office ladies, and even the assistant principal come join the game. The kids are the most excited they've ever been when they have to stay inside for recess because they know that the big blue pit is a possibility. Teachers love the honesty and agility that it teaches to their kids. They also enjoy the opportunity to join in and play." – Coach Saja

Soon the gaga pit will be heading to another Playworks school, so even more students will have a chance to play in "the big blue pit."

More Updates


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…

August 24, 2021

Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›

Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts,…

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…