Initially, Ms. White was unsure about how play could enhance her teaching.
She was focused on strengthening her student’s academic skills in the classroom and viewed recess as a “break” from learning. Isaiah shared:
“I took everything I knew about building relationships through play and brought it to teachers. I had a teacher Mrs. White who really was not about play… In our community learning time I knew I had to rope her in and show her how she could build better relationships with her students through play, bridging that gap with her and her students.”
With Coach Isaiah’s encouragement, she began joining games on the playground and soon discovered how play could deepen her connections with her students, such as Tyliyah.
As she got involved, Ms. White saw firsthand how playing together helped build trust and skills that carried into the classroom. She became an advocate for play, often sharing her experiences with fellow school staff and highlighting Isaiah’s impact.
Isaiah reflected, “She was so appreciative that she wrote my program director a letter. I appreciated that and she appreciated that I helped her bridge a gap through play.”
Her journey with Playworks and Coach Isaiah has shown her that play is not just fun – it’s an essential tool for building community and fostering student growth.
“Coach Marshall seems to understand the external and internal pressures of young learners. His energy and enthusiasm is contagious! He is quick with a smile and a compliment,” said Ms. White.
Ms. White is just one of many stories of Coach Isaiah’s impact, and one of thousands from communities across the country that embrace play and Playworks. Explore more of Isaiah’s impact
