Play is a Priority for New Bedford School District

  1. Updates

Playworks New England is thrilled to continue creating opportunities for safe and healthy play for elementary students across New Bedford. 

Playworks launched programs in four New Bedford schools in 2016. This year, Playworks has expanded to serve 12 New Bedford elementary schools through a combination of services, which means over 4,000 students are experiencing safe and healthy play, every day.

We are leveraging play in collaboration with the New Bedford Public Schools Safe and Supportive Schools Initiative in order to improve school climate and strengthen students’ social-emotional learning. Playworks creates opportunities for play by rethinking recess systems, expectations, and creating safe choices. 

Fourth and fifth grade Junior Coaches at Rodman School

You may wonder what safe and healthy play means. A “Playworks recess” refers to the techniques, practices, and strategies employed by recess staff to create a playground culture where all kids are included and have the opportunity to play. A safe and healthy recess means recess is inclusive, students have choices, they learn conflict resolution tools, and—most importantly—have fun! 

Another major component of Playworks is our Junior Coach Leadership Program in which students are trained to be the next generation of student leaders and citizens in New Bedford. Through this unique leadership program, 4th and 5th graders serve as role models to their younger peers at recess and within the school community. The opportunities for peer to peer learning is immensely powerful and helps transform the recess experience for all students.

Playworks TeamUp Schools: Ashley, Brooks, Carney, Pacheco, Swift, Taylor, Winslow

Playworks Pro Schools: Congdon, DeValles, Hathaway, Jacobs, Parker

See what New Bedford teachers have to say about Playworks: 

“Since Playworks started in September, we find that everyone is engaged at recess. Students who previously didn’t have someone to play with now have something to do and others to play with. We’ve also noticed a reduction in accidents and conflicts now that students know how to tag safely, be inclusive, and solve conflicts on their own.” 

                 – Susan Santos, 1st Grade Teacher at Pacheco School 

“Recess at Rodman has come full circle. Students are now playing organized games without disagreements or feeling left out. They are resolving their own conflicts and supporting each other. But most of all, they are having fun — those smiles say it all! I’m having fun, too! 

                 – Erin Allen, 4th Grade Teacher at Rodman School 

“With Playworks we have so many fewer trips to the nurse. Before, there wasn’t a recess where kids didn’t get hurt. Our students are now learning how to socialize, play, be respectful to each other, and be nice. They even help each other more in class now. Everyone is just thrilled. It is so helpful!” 

                  – 1st Grade Teacher at Rodman School 

More Updates


June 9, 2023

Celebrating our Junior Coaches at Junior Coach Graduation ›

On Saturday, June 3, over 85 Junior Coaches and their families gathered at the Lilla G. Frederick School to celebrate a year of hard work and leadership from these 4th and 5th grade student leaders. For many students across Boston, Lawrence, New Bedford, and beyond, being a Junior Coach is their favorite part of the…

students jump-roping
students jump-roping

May 31, 2023

The Significance of Play in Children’s Mental Health ›

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring research around this topic and how play (and Playworks) can make a difference. The urgent need to support children’s mental health  The pandemic increased the loneliness and isolation that people, especially children, were feeling. As children re-entered school buildings, people quickly realized that academic recovery from…

April 7, 2023

Rock Paper Scissors Tournament 2023 ›

Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) is Back and Better Than Ever as Playworks Hosts its First RPS Tournament Since 2018 On April 6th, Playworks hosted Boston area professionals for a night of fun competition with its first Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament event since 2018. More than 60 players contended for the coveted grand prize, a uniquely…