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.

The Game Plan webinar series is back with all-new topics! Learn how you can support playful and engaging environments for every kid in your school or program. First up: Thriving Through Play on October 23. We'll be sharing data and strategies you can use to support quality play opportunities for kids in your school or youth program. Learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/eDTgfjG7 #freewebinar #professionadevelopment #powerofplay #education

Kicking off the new school year with our first AmeriCorps Member Spotlight. Meet Cecilia, or Coach GG "Good Game," who is back for her third year as a Playworks AmeriCorps Coach serving with Playworks Southern California at Figueroa Street Elementary! Cecilia leads by example, and began the year by hosting fellow AmeriCorps Members as they waited to start at their schools. Her manager shared, “She models respect and collaboration, working closely with her school's recess supervision team, continually checking in for new games, and supporting them with those extra hot days on the blacktop! She leads with compassion and care for both students and adults, making sure her recess team of supervisors feels supported and has their voices heard.” Additionally, “Cecilia excels when it comes to focusing on her student's social and emotional wellness, leading her students in positive affirmations for her Recess Closings like ‘I'm amazing!’ and ‘I love me!’ to empower and inspire her students to be the best version of themselves and practice self-love.” Her favorite part of her role? "I love reminding students that having FUN and being SILLY is okay, cool, and fun. I love helping others get out of their shell!” Join us in giving a big Appreciation Clap to Coach GG! #serviceyear #coachspotlight #youthdevelopment #leadership

At Playworks, we believe in the power of play for EVERY kid. To help ensure all kids have access to safe and healthy play, we’re sharing strategies for adapting play for varying abilities. Get started here: https://lnkd.in/gmkjXtBZ #varyingabilities #inclusion #Playworksforeverykid

On track to bring the power of play to 3,000 students in Alaska? Let's go, Playworks! https://lnkd.in/g3ZKW6Bp

Kick off your meetings with a playful check-in question to build stronger relationships and set a positive tone for the work ahead! ?? Learn how using the power of play can positively shape nonprofit culture with Elizabeth Cushing from Playworks! Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/g-8udY-W #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #nonprofitleadership

We want to bring safe and healthy play to EVERY kid in the U.S. and we know we can’t do that alone. Playworks TagTeam is our new certification program that builds capacity for community-based organizations to deliver high-quality recess and youth leadership programming at local elementary schools. 95% of educators agree that during recess, TagTeam increases the number of students engaged in healthy play with their peers. Check out this video to learn more! https://lnkd.in/g2e6hjKN #Playworksforeverykid #communitybasedorganizations #communitypartnerships #support #nonprofit #youthdevelopment

Utilizing play is an effective tool to connect with people, and is a powerful way to build a healthy and vibrant nonprofit culture. When nonprofits incorporate play into their culture, they can boost creativity, improve morale, and drive productivity and innovation. So, how can nonprofits get started with implementing play into their culture, and what impact could this shift have on their overall mission and success? Learn how using the power of play can positively shape nonprofit culture with Elizabeth Cushing from Playworks! #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #nonprofitleadership

Imagine a school where every child feels excited, included, and ready to learn. That’s the kind of environment Playworks helps create. Junior Coaches play a major role in making this a reality. These youth leaders facilitate games, model positive language and behaviors, and form connections with other students at recess. Play brings students together, fostering relationships that form the foundation of a supportive community, at school and beyond. Your support helps educators and youth leaders experience a world where all kids can build lasting connections and lifelong skills. https://lnkd.in/g4G837YB #backtoschool #Playworskforeverykid #studentleaders #conflictresolution