The Soiree For Play at TCF Bank Stadium
2015-02-26 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Playworks Minnesota’s 3rd AnnualSoiree for Play
Thursday February 26, 2015 6:00pm to 9:00pmTCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota Campus
The Soiree for Play is a cocktail recess and fundraiser for Playworks Minnesota designed to move you and your guests off the sidelines and into the game. Guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts while engaging with Playworks coaches in games like 4-square, Switch, and Gaga. A keynote speech from our surprise guest and silent auction will round out the night’s activities. All of this while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for more than 7,000 children in 14 low-income Minneapolis and Saint Paul Elementary schools.
Individual Ticket: $85 per person
Tables: $1,000
6:00pm to 7:30pm: Cocktail recess, heavy hors d'oeuvres and silent auction 7:30pm to 8:30pm: Presentation from special guest and keynote speaker, a Playworks principal, and local students, coffee and desserts 8:30pm to 9:00pm: Auction check out, end of the program

Thank you to our sponsors:

For more information about tickets or becoming a sponsor, please contact Nick Boerum at 952-232-0471 or nboerum@playworks.org.

2016 Soiree for Play
2016-04-28 06:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
Playworks Minnesota’s 4th AnnualSoiree for Play
Thursday, April 28, 20166:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota Campus
This fun, interactive evening is a fundraiser like no other. You'll enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and games from the playground as you support Minnesota youth. Hosted by Alicia Lewis of KARE 11, the Soiree for Play will feature a Playworks principal, rock star student leaders, and former NBA player John G. Thomas.
Individual Tickets: $50 per person
Tables: $1,000
To purchase tickets or a table, please click here.

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Cocktail recess, heavy hors d'oeuvres and silent auction7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Presentation from special guest and keynote speaker, a Playworks principal, and local students. Coffee and desserts provided8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Auction check out

Thank you to our sponsors:

For more information about tickets or becoming a sponsor, please contact Nick Boerum at 651-888-2627 or nboerum@playworks.org.

Playworks Minnesota 2016 Corporate Kickball Tournament
2016-06-10 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Thank you for coming out and joining us for our sixth annual Corporate Kickball!

Round up your team members, slap on your game faces, and come out for a day of sunshine, food, beverages, and friendly play with your peers. Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement fundraiser for Playworks that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building and fun. Participating teams spend an exciting afternoon seeking out the Regional Kickball Trophy while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for nearly 7,000 children in 14 low-income Twin Cities metro area schools.

By participating in Corporate Kickball, your company can:

Increase Employee Engagement: Corporate Kickball offers a team building opportunity outside the office that’s inclusive, collaborative, and non-competitive.
Raise Visibility: Teams and sponsors are recognized on the Playworks website, annual report, newsletter and other collateral.
Support the Local Community: The money raised from Corporate Kickball goes right back to Playworks to support our efforts to bring safe and inclusive play to local public schools.

2017 Playworks Minnesota Soiree for Play
2017-04-20 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | TCF Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join Us for the Fifth Annual Soirée for Play

You are invited to our Fifth Annual Soirée for Play.
April 20, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium
The Soirée for Play is the only gala in town where you can wear sneakers!
The soirée is a casual cocktail and hors d’oeuvre recess and fundraiser for Playworks Minnesota designed to move you and your guests off the sidelines and into the game.
The event features an exclusive silent auction with one-of-a-kind items, an online auction, and includes special addresses from a Playworks principal, students, and a surprise guest speaker. See how your support will help kids!
Individual tickets are $50 each.
Company and personal tables (10 guests) are available for $1,000.
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesota youth by joining us on April 20 and supporting Playworks Minnesota.
Soirée for Play
Thursday, April 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
TCF Stadium, DQ Room, University of Minnesota
420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN
This event is now over.
Parking is available on-site in the Gopher, Maroon, & Victory Lots for $10.
The main event entrance to TCF Stadium is under the “Benton County” sign on the south side of the stadium. Enter into the John and Nancy Lindahl Premium Lobby and you will be directed to the event space. The Soiree for Play is taking place in the DQ Club Room.
Please see a map of the area for details.
We look forward to seeing you Thursday night, April 20th!
For information please contact Ryan Berkas at ryan.berkas@playworks.org or 651.207.5285

2017 Corporate Kickball Tournament
2017-06-16 10:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Fields, 1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Round up your team members, put on your game faces, and come out for a day of sunshine, food, beverages, and friendly play with your peers. Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement fundraiser for Playworks that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building and fun. Participating teams spend an exciting afternoon seeking out the regional kickball trophy, while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for nearly 7,000 children in 14 low-income Twin Cities metro-area schools.
By participating in Corporate Kickball, your company can:

Increase Employee Engagement: Corporate Kickball offers a team-building opportunity outside the office that’s inclusive, collaborative, and non-competitive.
Raise Visibility: Teams and sponsors are recognized on Playworks’ website, in its annual report, and in newsletters and other collateral.
Support the Local Community: The money raised from Corporate Kickball goes right back to Playworks to support our efforts to bring safe and inclusive play to local public schools.

Event Details:
Friday, June 16, 2017
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Northeast Athletic Fields (NEAF)
1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

For more information about teams and sponsorship, please contact Ryan Berkas at ryan.berkas@playworks.org or 651.207.5285

Get in the Game Gala 2018
2018-02-22 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Muse Event Center, 107 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis, 55401, United States
Please join us in a celebration of PLAY. Playworks Minnesota brings safe and healthy play to 43 Minnesota schools reaching 24,500 students this year.
Come ready and dressed to engage in play led by Playworks Coaches. Attire is informal.

Muse Event Center
February 22, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Valet parking available
Register Now

Presented by School Rockstar Sponsor Minnesota Twins

Junior Coach Champion Sponsor

Sponsorship and Benefits Information
For more information, please contact Kala Ryan at kala.ryan@playworks.org.
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesota youth by joining us and supporting Playworks Minnesota.
See how your support will help kids!

2018 Corporate Kickball
2018-06-15 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Field, 1615 Pierce St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Playworks 2018 Corporate Kickball Tournament
Registration is $1000 per team, all tax-deductible and benefitting your community
Teams are 10 – 14 co-ed players
14 teams have registered, only 6 spots remain!

Register Here!

Want to see what Corporate Kickball looks like? Please check out our video from the 2017 tournament.

Fundraiser at MN United FC Game
2018-10-21 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | TCF Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Come support Playworks Minnesota at the MN United FC Game
Ticket rates at a discounted price
$5 of each ticket purchased goes back to Playworks MN
When: Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: TCF Bank Stadium
Who: Friends, family, and colleagues can all spend a fun day out while supporting a great organization
Click here buy tickets and enter promo code “PLAYWORKS” in the top right corner to purchase tickets! There are two price options at a discounted rate!
Buy Tickets

We Play Together Event with Registration and Waiver Forms
2018-10-27 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Mounds View High School Stadium, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
Join us for this free, fun and inviting event for all ages bringing the community together

Guest speakers recognizing our amazing Junior Coach leaders from each of our Mounds View Schools
Attempting the world’s largest game of Freeze Tag for 10 minutes
Big game of Rock, Paper, Scissors Rockstar; there can only be one
Drawings and prizes

Online registration closed. Registration will be available at the event for those who have not registered.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

A special thanks to G&G Outfitters, MARS & Mounds View High School for their contributions

Corporate Kickball Tournament 2019
2019-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Field, 1615 Pierce St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Playworks 2019 Corporate Kickball Tournament

REGISTER HERE!

Want to see what Corporate Kickball looks like? Please check out our tournament video.

For more information contact Chloe Czaplewski at chloe.czaplewski@playworks.org.

See who’s playing – Laughter Champion Sponsors

Thank you to those helping to make this event special!

The Great Playworks Get Together 2020
2020-03-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
The Great Playworks Get Together is an opportunity for have some fun and have a conversation about ensuring all kids gain foundational skills and leadership opportunities necessary for success on the playground, in the classroom, and in the future.
Celebrating 10 years of investing in tomorrow’s leaders today.

This event is hosted by the Playworks Board of Directors

Megan Lindahl Goodrich, Community Advocate
Marc Gorelick MD, MSCE, President & CEO Children’s Minnesota
Jessie Houlihan, President, Stahl Construction
Jim Hoopes, SVP, NorthMarq Capital LLC
Steve Kelley, Commissioner of Commerce, State of Minnesota
Shauna McDonald, Executive Director, Playworks
Diana Mini, President, Shark Industries Ltd
Martin Peyer, Community Advocate, President & CEO of TADS (retired)
Heidi Saari, Experience Consultant, M Health Fairview
Mary Schrock, Community Advocate, COO, PACER Center (retired)
Dan Starkey (Chair), Senior Director, Minnesota Twins
Jaime Taets, CEO Keystone Group International
Chris Thomas, Business Continuity Manager, Allianz Life

This is an invite-only event. For more information or if you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact Chloe Czaplewski, Senior Development Associate, at chloe.czaplewski@playworks.org

Thank you to our event sponsors!

You are helping every Minnesota student feel safe and like they belong.

Laughter Champion Sponsors

Merriment Maker Sponsors

Team Player Sponsors

Let’s Play For a Generation of Impact
2020-10-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
How can play help kids develop, practice social and emotional skills, and get physically active in virtual or hybrid environments or in-person experiences that are COVID-19 safe?
Find out by joining Playworks and other supporters nationwide and Let’s Play!
During this unique virtual event, you will experience how play feels right now. Teachers, coaches, and kids will share their stories of the back to school journey and how play and Playworks have eased the transition. Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing will highlight the current state of the organization and our school communities, and Playworks Founder Jill Vialet will highlight her predictions for the future of play.
For almost 25 years, Playworks has leveraged the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. While historically our services have mostly been in person, we’ve transformed the Playworks experience to ensure that we can support kids and school staff in their current environment-whatever that is- and ensure they get to benefit from playing every day. We need support to be here for generations to come.
Let’s Play together to recognize this impact on the past generation and raise critical funds to support the next. Thanks to the generous support of Swapnil Agarwal for every $1 donated, Playworks will receive an additional $2, up to $100,000. If you can’t attend but still want to make a difference please donate now.
Register Now
If you can’t attend on this day, you’re in luck! We’ll be hosting a second event on Thursday, October 8.
Register for that event here.

Playworks MN Return to Recess Workshop
2021-02-03 07:30 - 08:30 (America/Chicago)
Return to Recess Workshop
Join the Playworks Minnesota team for a FREE 1-hour virtual workshop that will give you and your staff the tools, knowledge, and confidence to safely return to in-person and/or hybrid recess this school year. This workshop is simultaneously geared toward school administrators and recess staff – anyone involved with recess at your school will benefit from attending.
Topics covered include mapping your playground and organizing your space, group management best practices specific to the 20-21 school year, and games that work in a socially-distanced or pod recess model. Attendees will leave with multiple resources, next steps for their schools, and a thought partner in Playworks Minnesota going forward. Four virtual workshop options are available in late January and early February – get registered today!

Session 1
Monday, January 25, 10:00am – 11:00am CT
Session 1 Registration
Session 2
Wednesday, January 27, 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Session 2 Registration
Session 3
Thursday, January 28, 3:30pm – 4:30pm CT
Session 3 Registration
Session 4
Wednesday, February 3, 7:30am – 8:30am CT
Session 4 Registration
Facilitator:
Brandon Elsner, Playworks MN Program Manager

Investing in Play - Virtual Info Sessions with Playworks MN
2021-03-17 - 2021-03-26
Join us for a virtual info session this March to learn about how Playworks can help you invest in play at your school to build a positive school climate that nurtures student well-being and academic achievement. We’ll explore strategies to implement immediately as well as partnership options for summer and fall. As we welcome students back, let’s build on their desire for connection and a fun school experience to boost academics, well-being and attendance. With a wide range of partnership options, staff trainings, and digital resources, Playworks can help you bridge your 2021 academic goals and your students’ wants and needs.

In each session we’ll…

Explore the strong connection between play and positive school climate and classroom behavior
Learn strategies for connection and student well-being to try on immediately at your school
Discuss various partnership options for investing in play this summer and fall

Option 1 – Wednesday 3/17 @ 2-2:45pm
Registration Link
Option 2 – Thursday 3/25 @ 4:30-5:15pm
Registration Link

The Importance of Recess & Play in 2021
2021-05-25 13:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Workshop
A conversation with the Minnesota PTA, More Recess Minnesota, and Playworks
The Minnesota PTA, More Recess Minnesota, and Playworks are teaming up to hold a virtual conversation and webinar on the importance of play and recess for children as they return to school this fall.
Join us to learn about and experience the power of play, explore state-level recess policies in that shape the landscape for play, and leave with multiple resources and tools to start or bolster the conversation around recess and play in your school and community. Participants will leave with recess resources, recess evaluation guides, conversation starters, and more.
Event Details: Virtual webinar will be held on Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May, 25 from 7pm – 8pm CST
Register Here

Presenters:
Minnesota PTA:
The mission of the PTA includes supporting and speaking on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. Facilitating the conversation is MNPTA Health & Safety Chair Nicole Patraw.
More Recess Minnesota:
More Recess Minnesota is a group of parents and educators advocating for ample, high-quality school recess. The benefits of playtime during the school day are well-documented, and state law can and should guide quality and ensure recess for all children. Presenting from More Recess Minnesota is Steering Team Member Aaron Crowell.
Playworks Minnesota:
Playworks is the leading national non-profit leveraging the power of play to transform school climate and academic engagement. Playworks partners with schools, community organizations and youth programs to provide professional development for staff, on-site consultation, trainings, and digital/free resources for educators. Presenting from Playworks Minnesota is Senior Program Manager Brandon Elsner.

Summer Institute 2021: Power of Play
2021-08-24 - 2021-08-25 | Crossroads Montessori, 543 Front Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55117
This year saw unprecedented social isolation for kids during the pandemic, causing mental health issues, a rise in childhood obesity, and learning loss. Safe and healthy play, which provides so many health and wellness benefits, will be more important than ever for children as they return to their school communities this year. That’s why we’re hosting the Playworks Summer Institute, a 2 day series of workshops and professional development opportunities for Minnesota educators to learn practical strategies and best practices for making play a pillar of their school community. We hope you can join us.
This year’s workshops will focus on Playworks’ strategies and best practices for leveraging play to:

Maximize skill development
Build positive school climate
Keep kids active and engaged on and off the playground

Workshop Descriptions:
Workshops will be held in-person at Crossroads Montessori School on August 24th and 25th. Workshops are geared toward particular target audiences and many of the workshops build on each other.
Links to register and more information about group pricing and bundles below.
Playworks will provide a clock hour certificate for participants at the end of each training. Clock hour recognition is dependent on state and district regulations.We advise you to connect with whomever does your renewal units in your particular organization for verification.

Designing A Great Recess – Full Day
Lay the foundation for designing and facilitating a great recess that serves as a maximizer for skill development and a driver of a positive school climate.
This full day workshop (4.5 clock hours) is designed for educators who supervise and/or support recess at their school site. Participants spend the day learning about the power of play, games and activities for recess, and group management strategies for the playground and beyond.
Best for: recess staff, school administrators, out of school time program staff

Recess Policy – 2 hours
Identify strategies to ensure the sustainability of a healthy recess program, including the development of a recess policy and handbook.
This short (2 clock hours) workshop is designed for educators who plan for and support recess at their school site. It is strongly recommended that participants attend the workshop with 1-2 others from their school.
Best for: recess staff, school administrators, out of school time program staff

Attending the Summer Institute
Recess Systems Package
Our Recess Systems Package includes seats for Summer Institute and provides ongoing support for staff capacity development throughout the school year. The package adds onsite coaching and weekly game ideas to maximize play and recess to actualize skill development, propel positive school climate, and foster a welcoming learning environment.
Learn More
Includes:

4 seats at the “Designing a Great Recess” workshop
2-3 seats at the “Recess Policy” workshop
3 follow up Consultative Visits at your school site
Yearlong subscription to the “Keep Playing” digital service for all school staff

Summer Institute
Individual Seats and Group Pricing

Workshop

Date/Time

Length

Individual Seat

Group Pricing

Link to Register

Designing a Great Recess
Tues. 8/24
10am-3pm
Full Day
$150
$500 for a team of 4
Register

Recess Policy
Wed. 8/25
1pm – 3pm
2 Hour
N/A
$75/seat for team of 2-3
Register

Questions and More Information
Contact Program Director Brandon Elsner with any questions or to bundle with on-site and digital services brandon.elsner@playworks.org

Playworks 2022 Kickball Tournament
2022-06-17 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Field, 1615 Pierce St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
It’s about time.. GAME ON!
Playworks 2022 Corporate Kickball Tournament
Are you ready to play? Let’s do this..
Corporate Kickball is a ONE DAY EVENT, Friday June 17, 2022 10:00 – 5:00 that brings 18 Twin Cities Corporate Teams together for some fun, team building, and healthy competition for the coveted Traveling Champions Trophy.
Entry Fee $2,000 per team will support Playworks programming in low-income Twin Cities elementary schools for the 2022-2023 school year.

Happy Hour 3:00 – 6:00
Sociable Cider Werks
1 FREE drink ticket per player
1500 Fillmore St NE Mpls, 55413

DETAILS
Playworks provides each team with:

Kickball tournament t-shirt for each player.
Minimum of 3 Kickball Games + Longest Kick Event.
One cooler stocked with adult beverages.
Water station provided by Tap Minneapolis.
Snacks and surprise afternoon sweet treat.
One Happy Hour drink ticket per player.

Lunch: Food trucks will be available for participants to purchase lunch or they can bring their own lunch.
Pets: Are allowed as long as they are leashed and watched over.
Parking: Free in the lots located around the park and on street.
Team construct – each team can have 10-15 players.

ALL teams are co-ed and must have at least 4 male or 4 female players per team.
Teams need a minimum of 10 players to take the field.
Players need to be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Interested? Get in touch

5 Ways to Have a Great Recess Webinar
2022-10-06
Big changes start small.
Join us as we kick-off The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During the first webinar, you will learn the 5 key components of a great recess:

Safety on the Playground
Effective Systems (play space, transitions, equipment, & visuals)
Engaged & Empowered Adults & Students
Conflict Resolution
Games, games, games, games!

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the value of play and recess, how to identify and improve your play space, games that you can deliver right away, and how to help ensure students feel safe and engaged in play.
We’ll also discuss our Recess CheckUp, an online quiz designed to help you identify strengths and uncover areas for improvement. Get a head start by taking the three-minute check-up prior to the webinar.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

3 Questions to Ask About Your Indoor Recess Webinar
2022-12-07
Indoor recess doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Join us as for webinar 2 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore 3 questions to ask as you approach indoor recess:

Is it really recess?
Are you getting the most out of your space?
Who else can get involved?

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the benefits students can enjoy even when recess is moved inside, the pros and cons of different play spaces, and the staffing and support needed for an effective indoor recess.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Get Groups Engaged Through Play
2023-02-01
Keeping kids attention can be tough. Play-based practices can help.
Join us as for webinar 3 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore:

Using play-based practices to create systems to effectively manage large groups
Implementing proactive systems to address disruptive behavior before it occurs
Infusing play into the day to ensure effective communication with students

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the group management strategies that are both fun and effective.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Playworks 2023 Kickball Tournament
2023-06-23 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Bossen Field Park, 5701 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, United States
Kickin It for Kids!
Playworks 2023 Corporate Kickball Tournament
Are you ready to play? Let’s do this..
Corporate Kickball is a ONE DAY EVENT, Friday June 23, 2023 10:00 – 5:00 that brings 18 Twin Cities Corporate Teams together for some fun, team building, and healthy competition for the coveted Traveling Champions Trophy. Entry Fee $2,500 per team will support Playworks programming in low-income Twin Cities elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year.

DETAILS
Playworks provides each team with:

Kickball tournament t-shirt for each player.
Minimum of 3 Kickball Games + Longest Kick Event.
One cooler stocked with adult beverages.
Water station provided by Tap Minneapolis.
Snacks and surprise afternoon sweet treat.

Lunch: Food trucks will be available for participants to purchase lunch or they can bring their own lunch.
Pets: Are allowed as long as they are leashed and watched over.
Parking: Free in the lots located around the park and on street.
Team construct – each team can have 10-15 players.

ALL teams are co-ed and must have at least 4 players per team that identify as male or female or nonbinary/other.
Teams need a minimum of 10 players to take the field.
Players need to be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Interested? Get in touch

Playground Mapping 101
2023-10-25 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Make sure your playground is prepared for play.
Join us as for the first webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
During this next webinar, we will explore playground mapping.
Recess is safer (and more fun!) when games have their own dedicated locations on the playground. Learn how you can create a map for your playground that encourages safe and healthy play for all students.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Playing Across Age Groups
2023-12-13
There are many ways to play!
Join us as for the second webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
As students grow and learn new skills, their approach to play evolves too. Discover games and resources that engage students across different grade levels, ages, and abilities.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Resolving Conflicts Through Play
2024-02-14 12:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn fun, easy conflict resolution techniques students can utilize!
Join us as for the third webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
Disagreements on the playground can be an opportunity for children to develop healthy and productive conflict-resolution skills. Explore strategies you can use to encourage students to resolve disagreements independently and create a culture of cooperation.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
All webinars will last approximately one hour and will be recorded.
Register

Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play Webinar
2024-05-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Create a more playful environment that supports every child’s mental well-being!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics are teaming up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and the transformative role of play.
This virtual conversation will engage medical professionals, educators, and other community leaders to shine a spotlight on the various people who form the ecosystem of care for youth and how play based practices can make a difference across all of those relationships and settings.
Attendees will:

Identify the various roles within the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health
Learn about the benefits of universal supports and protective factors on youth mental health
Understand how play positively supports youth mental health
Take away practical tips for utilizing play in your roles

This webinar will begin at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT and will last approximately one hour. It will be recorded and the recording will be available following the event.
Register
Experts

Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, pediatrician, received her medical degree and business degree from the University of MN and is the Vice President and Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota. In her role, she has oversight over primary care, rehabilitation services, and mental, developmental, and behavioral health, including development of an inpatient mental health pediatric unit, and partial hospitalization mental health programs. She is often called upon by the media for her pediatric expertise and is a regular contributor for the Minnesota Parent’s column and WCCO’s segment to “Ask the Pediatrician.” Her clinical areas of interest are the outpatient and inpatient care of complex special needs patients, premature infants, and ventilator dependent children. Dr. Chawla is also instrumental in advancing the organization’s forward-looking efforts around community engagement. Through internal efforts to better integrate school based care, primary care with behavioral health, social support services for families, as well as, external advocacy with government groups, she works to create an environment for child health that extends beyond the clinic. She is a Board Member and the state’s Medical Director for Reach Out and Read Minnesota. She’s been consistently named to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine’s and Minnesota Monthly magazine’s Top Doctors annual list. In 2020, she received the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business Honoree award; and in 2023, she received the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Honoree award for Health and Well-Being. She is a Board Member and Vice President of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. She is a member of the National Quality Forum’s Prevention and Population Health Committee. She has two amazing daughters who are changing the world.

Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national organization dedicated to ensuring access to safe and healthy play for all kids. During her tenure Elizabeth has led Playworks’ scaling strategy, growing from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization reaching more than 700,000 children every year. She is an advocate for collaboration amongst youth development organizations and is committed to making sure every kid gets to play every day.

Jessica Driscoll is the Assistant Principal at Marcy School for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to her role as an administrator, Jess served as a teacher at the 1st and 2nd grade levels and worked in the capacity of both Instructional Specialist and Literacy Coach. Jess strives to create a school culture that nurtures the whole child while cultivating a strong community of students, staff, and families.

Dr. Arwa K. Nasir, MBBS, MSc, MPH is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the chair of the AAP Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Her research focuses on the impact of family psychosocial wellbeing on child development and behavior, and the incorporation of family science and behavioral health into primary care pediatric practice and residency training. She is also engaged in global health research with a focus on the cross-cultural aspects of behavioral conditions and autism. Dr. Nasir spent the 2019/2020 academic year as a Fulbright scholar in Jordan teaching and researching cross cultural aspects of pediatric behavioral health.

Dr. Michael D. Patrick, Jr. is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and an Attending Physician with the Section of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Patrick hosts the PediaCast and PediaCast CME Podcasts.

Thriving Through Play
2024-10-23 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
Get ready for the return of The Game Plan webinar series—now featuring exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Play is an essential part of every child’s development, fostering social skills, creativity, and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies and insights to increase playtime at your school or site and ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from recess.
We’ll also explore how play can create positive outcomes for kids and contribute to a healthy, engaged learning environment.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Building Positive Relationships with Play
2024-12-03 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Build stronger student-adult connections at recess with practical strategies for fostering positive relationships. We will explore the importance of adult buy-in and how involving adults in different roles can enhance the overall play experience.
With these strategies in place, you will be able to create a play environment where students and staff thrive together.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Transforming the School Day: Creating Engagement Through Play
2024-12-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Leverage the power of play for a positive school environment and a more engaging school day!
We all crave spaces where we feel connected, and welcome; play and recess have the power to connect children to school, to each other, and to the educators in the building. As our state and schools grapple with chronic absenteeism, historically low test scores, low student engagement, and a growing mental health crisis, we need simple, effective solutions.
Join us as we share a select few best practices and resources to share with your school community:

3 Simple strategies to share with recess supervisors looking to facilitate a safe and engaging recess
The benefits of play and the state of play for kids today
A playbook full of play, games, and strategies to try

This webinar will introduce participants to the concept of a high quality recess and how recess and play in the classroom can be leveraged to create a positive school climate and get kids to school consistently. Getting back to basics and incorporating more play into the school day has immense benefits for children and requires relatively little staff capacity to implement.
Developed and perfected over 28 years partnering with schools across the country, Playworks’ approach truly transforms the school day.
This webinar will begin at 3pm Central Time (4pm Eastern Time) and will last approximately one hour. It will be recorded and the recording will be available following the event.
Register

Adapting Play for Every Space
2025-02-19 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Learn how to make play work in any space, whether indoors, on blacktops or small playgrounds, or in unconventional areas.
This webinar will provide practical strategies to keep kids engaged, safe, and having fun to maximize your available space.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Youth-led Play Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders
2025-04-16 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Unlock the power of youth-led play and see how it can transform your playground!
In this webinar, you’ll discover strategies to encourage children to be leaders during playtime, fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
The webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will also be recorded for future viewing.
Register
