Stories of Play
![girl smiling on blacktop](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/image5-402x240.jpg)
![girl smiling on blacktop](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/image5-402x240.jpg)
November 8, 2018
Helping Students Uncover their Leadership Potential ›
When I showed my principal the list of students accepted to our school’s Junior Coach program this year, she gasped. One fifth grade name in particular stood out to her.…
![boy on playground](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Bringing-Out-the-Kindness-from-Within-1-402x240.jpg)
![boy on playground](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Bringing-Out-the-Kindness-from-Within-1-402x240.jpg)
November 7, 2018
Bringing Out the Kindness from Within ›
When I first arrived at my school as the new Playworks Coach, I found that many students came to school tired and cranky, and were quick to fight, swear, cheat,…
![child smiling](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Empowering-Kids-to-be-Courageous-402x240.jpg)
![child smiling](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Empowering-Kids-to-be-Courageous-402x240.jpg)
November 6, 2018
Empowering Kids to be Courageous ›
Eric is a kindergarten student who rarely chose to play at recess. He was pleasant and talkative with teachers and recess staff, but was hesitant to interact with classmates. One…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GameRun898SLC_AltaView-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GameRun898SLC_AltaView-402x240.jpg)
August 13, 2018
Student Plays at Recess for the First Time ›
This story comes from Laura Diedrich, an educator in Littleton, CO upon completing Playworks Pro and implementing new games and activities at recess. Sean is an amazing first grader at…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PacNW_AC_Week_Maggie_800x600-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PacNW_AC_Week_Maggie_800x600-402x240.jpg)
March 11, 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…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Kelsey-and-pod-1200-1200x720-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Kelsey-and-pod-1200-1200x720-402x240.jpg)
March 9, 2018
AmeriCorps Coach Inspires Youth Leaders ›
Our Playworks AmeriCorps coaches make a positive impact every day at each of the schools we serve in Southern California. Coaches transform schools, engage communities, and inspire youth leaders. During…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PlayworksMichiganACWeek-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PlayworksMichiganACWeek-402x240.jpg)
March 9, 2018
Getting Things Done in the Motor City! ›
Our AmeriCorps members are the shining light of the programming here in Michigan! They hold the very rewarding, and sometimes challenging position of being the day-to-day faces of our overall…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CatherineHerzog_389x232.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CatherineHerzog_389x232.jpg)
February 20, 2018
Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Herzog ›
Current Role: Senior Manager of Experiences at IfOnly Who is Catherine Herzog? I’m a native to Southern California and have chased sunshine and adventure since I was a kid. I…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dana-Thumbnail_2-1-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dana-Thumbnail_2-1-402x240.jpg)
January 12, 2018
Making teaching playful ›
For former Playworks coach turned second-grade teacher Dana Lovecchio, play doesn’t just enhance learning, it’s central to her teaching approach. “I like to think that everything I need to know…