Happier schools

  1. Updates
  2. Building Community
  3. Happy Kids

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


May 19, 2026

Why Reflection is the Secret Ingredient to Impactful Play ›

As the school year winds down, many educators and program staff are asking the same questions: What worked, what didn’t, and what should we do differently next year? It’s an…

May 13, 2026

Pediatricians Agree Recess is More Than a Break ›

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published an updated policy statement, The Crucial Role of Recess in School, and their message is clear: recess is not a luxury or…

May 12, 2026

Leadership in Action: How Junior Coaches Are Transforming School Playgrounds ›

Reflecting on how leadership and teamwork are woven into every aspect of Playworks services, one of the most powerful programs we offer at Playworks: our Junior Coach Leadership Program. It’s…