Playworks AmeriCorps Member of March Ken Hartman

  1. Updates

The AmeriCorps Coach of the Month is an honor we give coaches who have gone above and beyond during their service. Ken Hartman came to Playworks Utah fresh from the Peace Corps ready to continue his extensive service resume as an AmeriCorps member. It has been awesome watching him creatively adapt the experiences he had during this Peace Corps time to his new role as Corps Member at Roosevelt Elementary. Get to know him better from the interview below.

What is your background and experience?

I have had several years of experience working with youth in diverse backgrounds. I have been fortunate to teach and coach youth from several countries in Latin America as well as in the U.S.
What drew you to being a coach with Playworks?

Playworks was a great continuation of what I was already doing in Panama with Peace Corps. I spent my third year in Peace Corps coaching youth developmental sports clubs and I wanted to continue working with kids in a similar capacity. I had heard about Playworks while in Panama and was really excited to work with such an impactful organization.
Can you share a best practice for others on how you have built such an amazing school atmosphere?

For me the key is building what you want to see at recess during Class Games Times. Class Games Times are instrumental tools to sculpt the recess, and therefore the culture of positivity and inclusiveness.
What’s your favorite part about being an Americorps member?

My favorite part is getting things done!

 

 

 

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…

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,…

Teacher in classroom
Teacher in classroom

May 13, 2021

Playworks and the Community Foundation of Utah Join Forces to Play it Forward ›

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Playworks and the Community Foundation of Utah Join Forces to Play it Forward Salt Lake City, UT—May 11, 2021—Playworks announced today that it has joined forces with…