Updates

December 30, 2021

Looking Forward to Joy in 2022 ›

Over the last five weeks, we have been exploring the concept of joy: what it means to us, how it shows up in our lives, and how to share it…

collage of group photos
collage of group photos

December 23, 2021

Ten Joyful Moments of 2021 ›

This year has been an incredible one for Playworks New England, and we want to share ten moments that have brought us joy in 2021. Enjoy! 1. We hosted our…

December 17, 2021

Every Day Joy ›

As we explored on last week’s blog, joy and play are important for brain development, both in children and in adults. There are countless ways to integrate joy into your…

December 7, 2021

The Science of Joy and Play ›

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all experiencing a new way of life. While there are shining examples of bravery and selflessness, the reality for many is that the last twenty-two…

collage of coaches
collage of coaches

November 29, 2021

Welcome to the Joy Series ›

Play is joy. Human connection is joy. Recess yards and playgrounds are a place where you will see smiles, hear laughter, and feel the joy that is associated with running,…

November 10, 2021

Boston Public Schools Health & Wellness Department Remixing Recess for 4th-8th Graders ›

Principals in Boston are seeing many new needs from their students with schools fully reopen this fall. We’ve heard from many school leaders that beyond lost learning time, students have…

November 3, 2021

“Thank you for tying my shoes, Coach Leah” ›

In 2019, my first year as a Playworks Coach, it seemed as though 90% of what I did on the recess yard was tie my students’ shoelaces. Many of them…

October 28, 2021

Junior Coaches Rocking Recess All Across New England ›

Each October, as the leaves begin to change on Playworks playgrounds across Boston, Lawrence, and New Bedford, another color begins to emerge. Bright purple Junior Coach shirts make their appearance…

October 21, 2021

A Day in the Life of Coach A ›

5:45am, Coach A’s alarm goes off. She throws on her recognizable Playworks blue t-shirt, eats a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich (on a biscuit, not a bagel – very…