Playworks

Play has the power to bring students and adults together, building trust and strengthening relationships. Join our free webinar on December 3 to learn how meaningful adult engagement transforms playtime. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gKnENb-a

Playing together helps create strong relationships with other people – at all ages. And it is an effective way to build a more fair future for everyone. When we play, we are connecting, collaborating, cooperating, communicating, and solving problems. Explore the barriers to play, and ways to overcome those barriers in our recent blog. https://lnkd.in/gAmbQhvA

Relationships are the building blocks of children's positive development, and playing together strengthens these relationships. By equipping adults with tools to support play and giving kids access to play, we can create stronger school communities. Playworks Coaches like Isaiah Marshall form connections both with students and staff, shaping their communities for the better. Your gift will help Playworks continue to positively impact students, staff, and schools. Donate today. https://lnkd.in/gFXkQDn3

Our next AmeriCorps Member spotlight is on Coach Ari, serving at Knapp Elementary with Playworks Colorado! Coach Ari is known for her energy, creativity, and commitment to children’s wellbeing. According to her manager, “Ari has transformed playtime into a safe, enriching, and joyful experience for the students. She creates inclusive, engaging activities that not only allow children to be themselves but also promote teamwork, problem-solving, and physical activity. By fostering a supportive environment, Ari helps students build confidence and social skills, making a lasting impact on the school community.” Ari’s impact extends beyond just her school community, as she also provides support for her fellow AmeriCorps Coaches. ”Her dedication and compassion shine daily, leaving a positive impression on students and staff alike. She not only is doing all this for her school community but also for the community here at Playworks. Her selflessness is something we should all try and strive to have a little more of.” When asked about why service matters to her, Ari shared, “In the chaotic world of an elementary school, the impact of inclusion can’t be overstated. For a young child navigating the complex social landscape, the experience of being included shapes not only their playtime, but also their sense of self-worth and belonging.”

🐧 "We're all gonna penguin walk to the car right now!" Sounds silly? That's exactly the point. In our latest episode of Creating Good, Elizabeth Cushing of Playworks shares how simple play can transform challenging moments with kids into opportunities for connection and joy. Who knew making transitions fun could be such a game-changer? Apple: https://apple.co/3UqwG7K Spotify: https://spoti.fi/48Hztjb #creatinggood #education #parenting

ICYMI: The recording of Game Plan webinar 1️⃣ Thriving Through Play is now available! 💻 Explore how play can create positive outcomes for kids & contribute to a healthy, engaged learning environment. While you're there, register for the remaining 3️⃣ webinars in the series 👇 https://lnkd.in/eDTgfjG7

Riverview Recess Is Fun For Everyone! For many kids recess is a time to have fun and release stress, but for others it can be overwhelming. At Riverview Roadrunners, thanks to some very intentional work by staff, a partnership with the non-profit group Playworks and support from students, many more Roadrunners are enjoying their recess time.

Thank you UP Partnership in San Antonio for inviting me to play with your FutureReady Summit participants! That's me - down in the right corner :) So fun to share our belief in the power of play to bring out the BEST in every kid. I hope we can collaborate to bring Playworks' playful approach to kids in San Antonio very soon. #playmatters Joe Martinez Chryssa Delgado, Ph.D. Bertina Denogean Lea (Bengels) Rosenauer Jessica Weaver Playworks

We've seen the value of a high quality recess, and how a fun and inclusive recess can even positively impact school attendance. We're thrilled to see this National Association of Elementary School Principals article include Playworks as a solution for student attendance. "A study from policy research organization Mathematica and Stanford University found 43 percent fewer reports of bullying or exclusion in schools using the Playworks model. Administrators at the K–8 Loma Linda School in Phoenix attribute a two-thirds chronic absence rate decrease in part to the Playworks model." https://lnkd.in/eJUVPr4P #chronicabsenteeism #schoolattendance #powerofplay #nationalbullyingpreventionmonth

I’m excited about the progress we made during our Playworks People Team Retreat at our national headquarters in Oakland, California. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy some good food, have fun, and strengthen our relationships as a people team. I really loved seeing our Playworks culture in action as we shared ideas, celebrated our successes, and focused on how we can continue to make an impact for each and every one of our incredible employees. A special highlight of our retreat was visiting Bridges Academy at Melrose in Oakland, where we had the opportunity to see our incredible Playworkers in action, engaging in the power of play with some wonderful kids! A huge thanks to Jacob Beaman and his amazing team for the incredibly important work they do every day. Their dedication and commitment make our mission come to life! For more information on Playworks please visit us at playworks.org.