About the Nonprofit
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Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Playworks is bringing the power of play to more than 40,000 students in Michigan through our direct service and professional development programs. We are excited to make recess a reality in Michigans' schools every day and provide children the chance to play and learn in safe, nurturing environments each school day.
Playworks teaches children to resolve their own conflicts that arise at recess and carry over to the classroom, improving school climate both on and off the playground. We help transform recess into a safe, fun and inclusive time that gets students active and engaged so they can return to the classroom focused and ready to learn.
Our 4-component innovative approach to increasing opportunities for safe, meaningful and inclusive play in schools during and outside the school day has been proven to increase student engagement in physical activity, support academic achievement and promote a positive school climate.
Recess: Our Program Coordinators create a safe, respectful and inclusive playground by teaching kids the rules and strategies of games, recruiting disengaged students, and introducing new activities onto the recess space.
Junior Coach Program: Program Coordinators nurture a cadre of students to serve as Junior Coaches (JCs) and leaders in the school community. JCs participate in monthly trainings that focus on leadership, conflict resolution techniques and responsibility. This peer leadership program has been successful in helping improve kids’ self-esteem, leadership ability and desire to improve academically.
Class Game Time: Program Coordinators lead individual classes where students are able to learn a variety of games in a small setting, providing a foundation of skills and tools that will allow for greater participation in recess. The Playworks curriculum focuses on core recess games as well as a variety of cooperative games that help students practice teamwork, communication and build rapport between classmates.
Interscholastic Leagues: Each Playworks school participates in our developmental sports leagues. Leagues are non-competitive and are designed to develop skills, provide a positive team experience and teach good sporting behavior to students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in sports. Each team has a chance to play a game with another Playworks school, further connecting the community of students who we reach, and providing an opportunity for families and school staff to come out and support their students.
In addition, Playworks Training offers hands-on professional development workshops and collaborative consultation to adults who work with youth on playgrounds. Built on best practices in youth development, as well as a history of evidence-based success from our direct service program, we teach group management, conflict resolution, games facilitation and other essential skills that transform playgrounds.