One of the most overlooked tools in education is the power of play. When humans play, they renew themselves neurologically and emotionally. It's one of the best ways to relieve chronic stress and open a mind to both learning and change. Any organization that works with children wants to ensure that play is inclusive, active, and most importantly fun, but frequently people who work with children need practical support to achieve that goal.
We believe that every child should have a place on the playground, and we can give you the tools to create it. Playworks’ National Trainers are those hard-to-find experts on teaching adults practical strategies and engaging games that aim to overcome a whole range of problems that are increasingly common in school playgrounds: exclusion, inactivity, disciplinary issues, and general chaos. Playworks provides professional training and ongoing development to school staff, paraprofessionals, and after-school care providers to create and maintain a great recess throughout the school year. We offer a range of services delivered by professional trainers intended for groups of ten or more participants, from half-day workshops to two-day sessions to full-year immersions.
But the best part is that most of these proven-strategies can be implemented right away by anyone who is willing to give it a try. You don't need a degree and you don't need years of experience. If you can provide the professional development time and a space for activities, we can show you that you have the power to create a safe place where children can thrive. Often, our trainings are also an exhilarating team-building experience among the adults in your school or program who many not have an opportunity to bond or get to work with each other during their regular scheduled day.
Recess and any extended playtime are the "other classroom" where kids learn life skills – like how to resolve a conflict or experience learning outside of lectures, books, and computers. Instead of sitting still, kids get to move at all kinds of speeds. Instead of being quiet, they get to laugh out loud and cheer. If the adults in your organization can learn how to join in the games, the kids will see them in a completely new light. We believe that children want and need this in their day. When you learn how to create opportunities for healthy, safe, and inclusive play with your children, you’re unlocking their academic, social, emotional, and physical potential. Ultimately, you’re allowing them to access and harness many positive capabilities they have inside of themselves.
If you are interested in learning more about how to bring “the other classroom” back into the daily lives of children, we want to hear from you. For a personalized assessment of how Playworks Training can make a difference at your school or organization, submit the Training Assessment form and a local Playworks account manager will respond directly.
