Playworks

"Increased attendance, better attention in classrooms, stronger friendships, and more engaged citizens – these are not a long wishlist of preferred traits in an elementary school student. They are what some advocates believe are a direct impact from recess." Read more in this recent EdSurge article featuring Playworks CEO Elizabeth Cushing: https://lnkd.in/g34vh62x #recess #recessmatters #benefitsofplay #powerofplay #chronicabsenteeism #AAP #Playworks #Playworksforeverykid

The Playworks Minnesota Youth Leadership Summit was more than just a field trip. It was a celebration of a full year of growth and accomplishments for these student leaders. “The program allows them to take that step in their leadership … learn small skills that sustain them over the course of a lifetime," shared Playworks Minnesota Pro Trainer Travis Evans. Through our partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools we are able to reach more than 1,000 kids with this leadership opportunity. Special thanks to the St. Paul Saints for elevating this experience by hosting at CHS Field. Read more in this article from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder https://lnkd.in/e_fvSaSP #youthleadership #Playworks #Playworksforeverykid #leadership #developingleaders #recess #JuniorCoach

Teachers experience burnout when conflict and behavior get in the way of learning. When issues that start at recess spill from the playground into the classroom, transitions back to learning can feel tense and teachers find themselves trying to manage a distracted class. But at elementary schools that partner with Playworks, the reality is different: • Bullying and exclusionary behavior drop. • Schools recover roughly two weeks of instructional time every year. At Playworks schools. students come back to class ready to learn, and teachers get their time and energy back. See how we partner with schools: https://lnkd.in/e_ratGX7

Play is often seen as a break from learning—but what if it’s actually essential to it? In the latest Vertical Playpen episode, Phil Brown sits down with Jill Vialet , founder of Playworks, to explore the science behind play and its critical role in child development, connection, and long-term success. She also shares practical ways educators and leaders can intentionally integrate play into daily environments. If you’re thinking about #SchoolCulture, #StudentEngagement, or #ChildDevelopment, this conversation is worth your time. 🎧 Listen here: https://ow.ly/ukLz50Z18cZ

As the school year winds down, reflection is a common theme. Adding reflection time helps kids and adults make sense of their experiences, build stronger connections, and approach each new activity with an open mind. Our latest blog includes few ways you can build reflection into playtime and the impact it can have on the rest of the day. https://lnkd.in/es2sXYf7 #Playworks #Playworksforeverykid #reflection #endofyear #reflect #playtime #recess

Chronic absenteeism strategies often focus on what happens after a child misses school. Many schools try outreach calls, attendance contests, and incentive programs to bring kids back. But a recent UC Berkeley study points to another potential solution: play. In schools with Playworks, chronic absenteeism drops. Not because we run an attendance program but because we build belonging into the structure of the school day, and kids show up when they feel like they belong. If your district is investing in attendance, the question worth asking is "what makes kids want to come to school in the first place?" We'd love to help you design an answer.

THIS from a teacher at a Playworks school! "I just wanted to take a minute to share something really awesome that happened in our classroom today and to say thank you for the work you do with our students. This afternoon, students had three choices: watch a movie, have free time, or play Playworks games. My class overwhelmingly voted to play the Playworks games. What impressed me most was what happened next — the students discussed which game they wanted to play, agreed on one, and started playing completely on their own without any help or input from me. After they finished the first game, they did it all over again. They talked it out, chose another game, and started playing. For nearly 45 minutes they played, encouraged each other, and worked together with absolutely zero arguments. It was such a great example of the skills you are teaching them in action. I really appreciate the work you do and the positive impact it has on our students. It truly shows that they are taking the time with you seriously and learning from it. Thanks again for everything you do for our kids — it really makes a difference! THANK YOU!!!! Mrs. Goodman" Imagine if every kid had Playworks at their school? Playworks

On to the latest episode of the De Facto Leaders Podcast, Playworks CEO Elizabeth Cushing shares: - Simple ways educators can set expectations and rules to improve organization and a sense of safety around recess - How to use play as a reset and a preventative measure, instead of something that’s taken away from kids as a punishment - How student leaders can help decrease disruptive behaviors and help kids discover their own leadership potential Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dxi3V5Fi #Playworksforeverykid #youthleadership #chronicabsenteeism #powerofplay #recessmatters

The kids who lead recess all year are getting a stadium. On May 5, nearly 1,000 of them will gather at CHS Field for the Playworks Minnesota Youth Leadership Summit. These are the elementary school student leaders who run games at recess, help settle disagreements on the playground, and make sure no one stands alone at the wall. The St. Paul Saints are hosting under the Fun Is Good platform. Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Blaze Credit Union, USA Baseball, and the Minnesota Twins are showing up to recognize them. If you've ever wondered what it looks like when a community decides kids and the people leading them deserve recognition, this is it. The Saints shared more here: https://lnkd.in/e34vvSVH #FunIsGood #Playworks #youthleadership