Playworks

Playworks partnered with Say Yes To Recess to explore updates to the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement The Crucial Role of Recess. In early 2026, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) renewed and expanded its support for recess as a cruc

The back-to-school season is a time of immense change, bringing with it new routines, new faces, and the inevitable jitters that accompany a fresh start. For many students, the transition from the laid-back flexibility of summer to the structure of the cl

The bigger the game, the bigger the fun! Large group games are a great way to get lots of students active at the same time. That makes them especially valuable for summer camps and afterschool programs, where group sizes can often be larger than in a trad

We all knew the pandemic threw a wrench into school routines, but a new study published by the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University reveals just how stubborn the fallout has been. According to the data, over 52% of school districts saw su

Respect is the foundation of healthy relationships, strong communities, and positive learning environments. Yet it isn't a skill children develop simply because adults tell them it's important. Like teamwork and perseverance, respect is something that mus

The World Cup is one of the few events that brings together people from nearly every corner of the globe. As teams take the pitch this summer, they represent a wide range of countries, cultures, traditions, and styles of play. Even the jerseys tell a stor

Increased attendance, better attention in classrooms, stronger friendships, and more engaged citizens… They are what some advocates believe are a direct impact from recess. The post Recess Took a Break in Some Schools. A Push is On to Bring It Back appear

As the school year winds down, many educators and program staff are asking the same questions: What worked, what didn't, and what should we do differently next year? It's an important exercise for adults. And it can be just as valuable for kids! Making ti

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published an updated policy statement, The Crucial Role of Recess in School, and their message is clear: recess is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a fundamental activity that optimizes a child's men

Reflecting on how leadership and teamwork are woven into every aspect of Playworks services, one of the most powerful programs we offer at Playworks: our Junior Coach Leadership Program. It's more than just a training opportunity for students. It's a tran