When kids play well, they discover the joy of physical activity. They resolve conflicts and learn to get along. They come back to class ready to learn. Studies show that recess matters: a thoughtful approach to recess improves children’s physical health and social and emotional learning.
Playworks helps you make sure all kids get to play well, every day. We partner with schools to support play every day onsite, offsite, and remotely. Email Program Director Brandon Elsner, brandon.elsner@playworks.org, to bring Playworks to your school.
Consultative Support
Equip your recess team through support and modeling from Playworks TeamUp and other consultative options.
Or learn about how to bring our Junior Coach Leadership Program to your school.
For all schools.
Professional Development
Sharpen play facilitation skills with Playworks Pro workshops for your staff.
For schools and youth organizations.
Join schools and organizations across Minnesota.
SparkPlay
SparkPlay is Playworks’ subscription-based, online resource to support the continuous learning of safe and healthy play. It provides on-demand access to games, best practices, and professional guidance.
For all schools and youth organizations.
August 20, 2024
The Power of Norms ›
As students return back to school, setting norms becomes essential in easing the transition. Shared norms are important throughout the school day, from the classroom to the playground and even…
November 8, 2022
Play Contributes to Safe and Healthy Communities ›
Play is an essential part in building safe and healthy communities where children feel connected and invested in the world around them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Play…
May 21, 2024
Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play ›
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics teamed up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and…
FAQ
Playworks partners with schools with a wide variety of needs. Transform your school with a full-time Playworks coach, collaborate with an onsite Playworks recess expert to empower your playground team, or build capacity for positive play with Playworks professional development. Learn more about Playworks Coach, Playworks TeamUp, and Playworks Pro.
Playworks programming is designed for elementary schools. We do work with K-8 schools if the focus is on the lower grades.
Energetic, fun, and consistent are three words that capture Playworks coaches, site coordinators, and certified trainers. A common thread among our staff is a commitment to and passion for supporting the health and well-being of children. All coaches, site coordinators, and certified trainers come to Playworks with prior experience working with children and generally have worked within after-school programs, youth leagues and summer camps, or within other youth service agencies in the nonprofit sector.
Playworks is responsible for training and overseeing the work of each coach, site coordinator, and certified trainer. We assign each school site a program manager, whose role is to supervise and support coaches and site coordinators. Program managers are responsible for overseeing and maintaining program quality at each school site and serve as the primary contact person for school administrators.
In the Playworks Coach service, one full-time, caring and consistent Playworks coach implements our entire program at each school.
With Playworks TeamUp, Playworks partners with elementary schools by providing a part-time on-site coordinator to teach, model, and empower a sustainable recess program.
Playworks Pro provides professional training and ongoing development to existing school staff, paraprofessionals, and after-school care providers to create and maintain a great recess and play environment throughout the school year.
We provide a number of opportunities for school staff and kids to experience distance learning, including:
- Curation of Playworks resources: Site Coordinator will provide staff with guidance and support resources for virtual game implementation and self-directed play activities for students
- Live “Virtual Play” Sessions: Site Coordinator will lead virtual CGT and JCLP sessions with students
- Consultation Webinars: When in-person trainings are not possible, Playworks will provide school staff with professional development and support for in-person and distance learning play-based programming
Get Started
Get in touch for a free recess consultation. Find out which service is right for you.