In the News

William Dick Public School in Philadelphia tests out a new program called Playworks where a recess coach teaches kids all about conflict-resolution.

Elementary School in Tough Arkansas Neighborhood Brings in 'Coach Coop' to Give Structure to Playtime In the orderly halls of Stephens Elementary in Little Rock, Ark., principal Sharon Brooks steers…

Program brings structure to recess Five-year-old Timaria Sanders helps lead her kindergarten class in a chicken walk with Bill Vanark, a program director with Playworks, at North Forest's Lakewood Elementary…

Program in 9 schools shows promise, but kids out-of-shapeBy DAFNEY TALESPhiladelphia Daily News Fourth-graders at the William Dick School, in North Philly, listened intently yesterday as they learned the rules…

Nonprofit demonstrates games that combine exertion and learning. Back in the day, recess on the playground was the time for boys to be boys and the fainthearted to step aside.…

In an effort to maximize play time and minimize disputes, Portland Public Schools has partnered with Playworks, a nationwide nonprofit that provides play coaches to low income schools. See how…

An Omamas reader recently alerted us to a New York Times article on “recess coaches” who help kids structure their recess time positively, without bullying or other conflict. The reader,…

Recess went better at Denver’s Swansea Elementary School last week than any week Principal Mary Sours can remember in the past ten years. Kids were running instead of standing against…

RECESS is no longer child’s play. Schools around the country, concerned about bullying and arguments over the use of the equipment, are increasingly hiring “recess coaches” to oversee students’ free…