Happier schools

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Using play to develop students’ social skills and improve positive school culture

Happy schools support student learning. In order to create happy schools, we must consider how to create an environment where kids want to attend, participate, and succeed. By focusing on improving recess, Playworks is able to do just that.

“Playworks has enabled us to have more laughter and less fear, more players and less spectators, more encouragement and less put-downs, more order and less chaos, and more confidence and less uncertainty. Above all, Playworks has brought us less frowns and more smiles,” said Principal Michael Aaronian at Lupine Hills Elementary School in California.

study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University, found that Playworks led to a fundamental positive shift in community building in just one school year. The study also noted that a positive atmosphere has been linked to a host of favorable student outcomes, from attendance to achievement.

Playworks strengthens the skill development of children by including and engaging every child in play. Our programming also restores valuable teaching time and increases physical activity, contributing to an environment that is conducive for youth to thrive.

More Updates


November 25, 2025

Playworks Celebrates 30 Years of Play ›

What began as a way to make recess more joyful on one playground has grown into a nationwide effort to make play part of every kid’s day.  In 1995, Jill…

November 14, 2025

Recess Matters: Why Belonging, Joy, and Play Are the Hidden Keys to School Attendance ›

It started with a familiar moment. A first grader, dressed and ready, stood by the door and asked quietly: “Do I have to go to school today?” There was no…

September 30, 2025

6 Game Tips for a Strong Start to the School Year ›

We are wrapping up our back-to-school blog series with some tips to help kick off the year with play! The first few weeks of school have a huge impact on…