{"id":4907,"date":"2025-10-31T10:15:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T17:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/pacific-northwest\/?p=4907"},"modified":"2025-10-31T10:15:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T17:15:14","slug":"playing-with-purpose-in-alaska","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/pacific-northwest\/2025\/10\/31\/playing-with-purpose-in-alaska\/","title":{"rendered":"Playing with Purpose in Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"

Playworks empowers educators to make recess a place where every kid can get in the game.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2023, Playworks Pacific Northwest has been partnering with all Title I schools in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to strengthen recess. Through hands-on training and coaching, educators are gaining tools to ensure that every student has choices and opportunities to play.<\/p>\n

Principal Becky Zaverl has seen firsthand how Playworks is making a difference.<\/p>\n

Playworks has helped us bring more structure and focus to recess while keeping it fun! Each month, our students learn a brand-new game that keeps the playground exciting and engaging.<\/p>\n<\/div>

- Principal Zaverl<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"When educators feel confident supporting play, students thrive.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With support from Playworks, school staff are creating playground environments that empower students to take ownership of their play. Kids know what games are available, understand the rules, and have clear strategies for resolving conflicts. They also know who to turn to for support when conflicts arise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Through play, students practice real-world leadership skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cornerstone of Playworks programming is the Junior Coach Leadership Program, which invites students to take an active role in shaping safe, healthy play. The program is accessible to all students, helping each child discover their capacity to lead and make a difference in their school community.<\/p>\n

With consistent staff mentorship and daily experience on the playground, Junior Coaches are building skills that will stay with them long after recess ends.<\/p>\n

“Our older students guide younger ones in play, modeling teamwork, responsibility, and accountability, and reminding everyone that recess is all about having fun together,” Zaverl added.<\/p>\n

Learn how you can bring Playworks to your school<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Playworks empowers educators to make recess a place where every kid can get in the game. Since 2023, Playworks Pacific Northwest has been partnering with all Title I schools in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6821,"featured_media":5165,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"region":[],"class_list":["post-4907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-updates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPlaying with Purpose in Alaska - Pacific Northwest<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Playworks empowers educators to make recess a place where every kid can get in the game. 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