Recess

In 2017, Playworks and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) partnered to learn more about how effective recess teams drive strong quality and recess outcomes. Close your eyes and picture the best recess you can imagine. What does that look like to you? A quality recess is one that is safe, engaging, and empowering. Play…

A takeaway from a recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical study review, which details the wide-ranging benefits of play for children. From the AAP, here are 20 reasons why those 20 minutes of recess are vital—and why the quality of that playtime is critical. (Stock photo via Pixabay)

A few years ago, Playworks received a grant that came with a big challenge: How could we help more schools use our best recess strategies on their own, without our long-term presence? Thinking about all the schools we wanted to support, we noticed a gap. We offered year-round staffing, modeling, and consultation to schools near…

A Playworks coach might organize a kickball game, foursquare or other activities that students enjoy during recess – and then hang around and encourage everyone to participate. He or she might step in to assist students in resolving a conflict or to iron out game rules before yelling or name-calling can begin.

We live in extraordinary times. We struggle to make sense of the catastrophes, threats, and conflicts we see at a distance and up close. Sometimes, we even forget that we have a real capacity to impact what happens in our own communities. We may not be able to stop natural disasters or political strife, but…

As teachers are preparing lesson plans, learning new curriculum, and setting up their classrooms, it is time to start prepping our collective classroom: the playground. Recess deserves back to school planning just like any other classroom. In fact, a recent Robert Woods Johnson Foundation brief recommends that schools, “Treat recess plans like lesson plans. Like classrooms, recess needs…

Adult interactions play a key role in recess outcomes.

Disney's Forever in Your Mind and tennis star Sloane Stephens help kick off Playworks' Rock Star Recess Concert Event

Play during schooltime improved students' behavior and academic performance