Mr. Mike is a noon time aid here at the Jackson School, and needless to say, he is quite the champion of play. I call him “Big Mike.” Firstly because he towers over myself and all of the children here at Jackson. But more importantly, because he has one of the biggest hearts and greatest capacity for fun, respect, and the overall love of games. Having him outside with me each day at recess is such a blessing, in that he lends a helping hand to me and any child during play time, and that he, like me, feels blessed for the jobs we have, as professional players. Mike is quite the role model to the children here at Andrew Jackson, but also to me, as a fellow game lover. Which is why, Big Mike is the Champion of Play.

More Updates


January 10, 2023
Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›
Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…


July 28, 2022
A year of social and emotional learning ›
“You can’t do SEL, trauma, or equity work without each other,” Jennette Claassen, Head of Evaluation, Playworks. As Playworks continued to progress on our equity journey, we explored a critical question: what are the intersections between play, social and emotional learning, physical activity, and trauma? A working group focused on this question decided, among other…


August 24, 2021
Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›
Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts, have demonstrated precisely how and why play works to help kids learn and grow in the most positive and healthy ways. Jill gathered stories from people…