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
April 11, 2018
Portland Children’s Levy ›
On May 15th, Portland voters have the chance to vote to renew the Portland Children’s Levy (Measure 26–197) and continue our funding for this important program. The Portland Children’s Levy was created by voters in 2002 and overwhelmingly renewed in both 2008 and 2013. In the 15 years since voters first approved the levy, over…
April 5, 2018
Chloe and the Secret Handshake by Morgan Smith ›
Her name is Chloe. She’s new here, just moved to Portland from Tampa. Her clothes don’t fit. Her hair is dirty and tangled. For lunch she carries around a long tube of Pringles or a bag of Hot Cheetos. She has a precious smile, a contagious laugh, and no friends. During recess on her first…
April 5, 2018
For You by Hailey Nicholas ›
This is for you, the student who chose never to play. It is for you, the student who stood under his tree instead of kick a ball or run around the playground, who chose to be alone every recess, who chose never to speak. This is for you, the student who wouldn’t even go into…
March 5, 2018
The Changing Playground ›
It is raining outside, as it usually is in Oregon. Ella, a fifth grader, sits by herself against the wall at recess. She refuses to make eye contact with any of the kids running past her. She tells me she had to give a speech in class today, and it did not go well. She…
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.
