Playworks Pacific Northwest
Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
About
All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.
Latest News
December 9, 2019
Playworks Coaches and Staff Volunteer at the Children’s Book Bank ›
Prior to Thanksgiving, Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches and staff convened for an afternoon of giving back to our community by volunteering at the Children’s Book Bank (CBB). The CBB fills homes with engaging, culturally diverse books because all children deserve to have books of their own. In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books to children is…
December 4, 2019
Oregon State University Study Finds High-Quality Recess Positively Impacts Student Behaviors ›
A recent study by the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Services found that high-quality recess contributes to the executive function, emotional self-control, resilience, and positive classroom behavior in elementary school children. While past studies explored the benefits related to the amount of recess time, this is the first study to address…
November 25, 2019
Elementary Students Fine-Tune Basketball Skills at Portland Trail Blazers Community Team Girls Clinic ›
On Saturday, November 9th, 41 students from various Portland elementary schools attended a girls basketball skills clinic hosted by the Portland Trail Blazers Community team at the Blazers Boys and Girls Club. To kick off the day, the Blazers Community team led stretches, then focused on teamwork and the fundamentals of basketball. With the help…
November 7, 2019
Give Kids the Childhood They Deserve ›
When kids feel included and supported at recess, they’re more likely to thrive in school and in life. Everyone deserves a chance to become the best possible version of themselves. Kids need us to make that possible for them. Not all kids feel like they fit in at school. Feeling safe and like you belong is…
A Better Recess
Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:
Kids are at their best
Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.
Kids become leaders
They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.
Kids choose to be active
When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.
