Shared norms are important throughout the school day, from the classroom to the playground and even back at home. Without shared norms, even the simplest interactions can turn into disputes, and the joy of returning to school can quickly disappear.

Just as game rules create a fun and cooperative play environment, shared norms establish a stable and cohesive school community. As students return to school, establishing clear norms helps them understand expectations, fostering a sense of responsibility and mutual respect. For teachers, these norms provide a framework for creating a positive and productive classroom environment. For families, consistent norms across school and home life support children’s mental well-being, making the transition back to school smoother and more enjoyable.

What Are Norms?

Norms are the agreed-upon expectations that guide behavior in different settings. They help create a sense of predictability and security. On the playground, norms might include waiting in line before you jump into the foursquare game or returning play equipment to a central location when the bell rings. In the classroom, norms involve raising a hand to speak and listening quietly while others are talking. At home, norms might include cleaning up after oneself and using an “indoor voice” when playing in the house. 

Why Setting Norms Matters

Norms provide a framework that helps children understand what is expected of them and how to interact with others. Setting norms is about teaching children the importance of developing shared expectations and holding yourself and others accountable to them.

Norms and Emotional Regulation

Norms also play a crucial role in helping children with emotional regulation. 

“We really have to think about what’s going on inside the brains of kids,” said Will Massey, a researcher at Oregon State University who focuses on play and child development.

Kids who experience trauma often have a mental state that is more keyed up at baseline; instead of going from calm to alert when something unexpected happens, they are more likely to go from alert to terrified.

 “What we want to do, is to come up with strategies to help build environments to get kids to these more calm and alert states, so that not only can they learn new skills, but they can also use the skills they already have,” Massey shared. 

Creating consistent norms and expectations is one such strategy. When children know what to expect, they feel more secure and can better regulate their emotions and respond to triggers more healthily.

The Role of Play in Reinforcing Norms

Play is a powerful tool in helping children uphold norms. Through play, children learn to follow rules, take turns, and respect others. Games and activities that incorporate norm-setting can make this process fun and engaging. For example, playing cooperative games where success depends on everyone following the rules teaches children the value of collective responsibility and mutual respect.

As a result, recess and playtime can be an excellent starting point for establishing norms with your students. By taking time at the beginning of the school year to create a list of shared norms or agreements, and posting them somewhere visible, you can help students understand expectations in the classroom and beyond.

Positive Reinforcement: High Fives and Beyond

Positive reinforcement is crucial in encouraging children to adhere to norms. Simple gestures like high fives, verbal praise, and rewards can motivate children to follow guidelines and encourage their peers to do the same. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces positive behavior.

Download this free poster to help remind students and staff of positive phrases and gestures they can use during playtime. 

Benefits of Setting Norms

At School:

• Enhanced Learning Environment: Clear norms help create a predictable and supportive environment conducive to learning.
• Improved Social Skills: Children learn to interact respectfully and collaboratively, enhancing their social development.
• Increased Accountability: Children understand their responsibilities and hold each other accountable, leading to a more harmonious classroom.

At Home:

• Consistency and Routine: Norms help establish healthy routines, making children feel secure and reducing conflicts.
• Positive Behavior: Clear guidelines promote desirable behaviors, creating a more peaceful and cooperative household.
• Life Skills: Children develop essential life skills such as responsibility, respect, and cooperation.

How Playworks Can Help

At Playworks, we understand the significance of setting norms, especially during recess and playtime. Our team is dedicated to helping schools and community-based organizations establish and maintain norms that create a positive play environment on the playground for students and staff. 

By promoting positive behavior through play, we help schools build a culture of respect, responsibility, and inclusivity. These efforts not only enhance the playground experience but also translate into improved behavior and learning in the classroom.

Setting norms is a vital aspect of fostering a supportive and thriving environment for children. By integrating play and positive reinforcement, we can make the process enjoyable and effective. Together, we’re working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Connect with us to learn how to bring Playworks to your school!

The post The Power of Norms appeared first on Playworks.

SparkPlay is Playworks’ subscription-based, online resource supports the continuous learning of safe and healthy play for school and youth development staff.

Our vision is that one day every child in America will have access to safe, fun, healthy play every day. Our school and community partners can attest to the power of play and Playworks, but Playworks can’t be everywhere.

Luckily, with the help of new tools like SparkPlay, our lessons can.

In our almost 30 years of experience, we have seen the value of adults actively engaging in play. While play is generally an activity initiated and led by kids, adults helping design opportunities for play in school and after school settings is correlated with feelings of youth engagement, empowerment, and safety. And adults can benefit from jumping in and playing too!

So in an effort to accomplish this vision, we are putting our evidence-based practices, practical tips, and fun game ideas into the hands of these engaged adults who are working with kids across the country.

Together, we can create better systems and opportunities for kids to play every day, in and out of school. 

SparkPlay can be used by school and youth development staff to learn how to improve recess, bring out the best in every kid through play, or simply to find sparks of new ideas to keep kids engaged and active. The platform can also be used to facilitate recess staff onboarding and provides real-time access to games and best practices.

Spark your learning with:

• Multiple guided learning paths
• Extensive collection of games
• Community/discussion space
• Curated weekly emails

The guided learning paths explore the foundations of Playworks best practices, and develop the skills and resources to support safe, healthy, and fun play for everyone. 

The three learning paths include: 

By opening up our playbook, and providing tips and tricks that are easily implemented, we can help more children experience the joy of play every day.

You can bring out the best in kids through play. It all starts with a spark.

Learn more

The post Introducing SparkPlay presented by Playworks appeared first on Playworks.

As the world’s best athletes get ready to compete in Paris, here are a few fun games to help bring the excitement and spirit of the Olympics to kids at camp, at community events, at the neighborhood park, and even at home. 

Opening Ceremonies

Kick off the games with these easy icebreaker activities to help get kids warmed up and ready to play.

Zip, Zap, Pop

“Zip, Zap, Pop” is a lively circle game perfect for developing concentration and peer interaction. In this game, players pass three actions around the circle in sequence: a “Zip” involves a hand gesture and is passed to a neighbor, a “Zap” follows similarly, and a “Pop” sends the action across the circle. If a player hesitates, they leave the circle and cheer on the others. This game encourages quick thinking and social engagement, making it a great choice for group play​. 

I Love My Neighbor

Players sit or stand in a circle, with one person in the center who starts the game by saying, “I love my neighbor, especially my neighbor who…,” followed by a characteristic that applies to them, such as “has a pet” or “likes to play basketball.” Everyone who shares that trait must find a new spot in the circle, while the person left without a spot takes the center position for the next round. This game helps players build connections by identifying shared interests and characteristics.

I See, I See

Players start by walking around the designated area in various fun ways, such as zombie walks or slow-motion walks. When the leader says, “I see, I see,” the players freeze and ask, “What do you see?” The leader then describes an action, like “I see a superhero flying in the sky,” which the players act out until the game continues with a new prompt. This game helps develop creativity, self-confidence, and spatial awareness while ensuring everyone can participate equally. 

Team & Relay Games

From swimming to track, the Olympics feature many relay-style events where athletes work cooperatively to reach a common goal. Add these relay games to your next play time for some team-based fun. 

Team Ball Race

Players are grouped into teams of four, with each team holding a ball between all of their backs while their arms are linked. The objective is to transport the ball to the finish line without dropping it, requiring coordination and communication among team members. This game is perfect for encouraging physical activity and fostering collaboration in a fun and dynamic way. 

Continuous Relay

Teams of 4-6 players take turns running back and forth between two cones, handing off a baton or similar object to the next runner. The objective is to keep the relay going without pauses or errors in the handoff, encouraging continuous movement and teamwork. This game can be varied by introducing different movement styles like skipping or crab walking, and adding simple obstacles for extra fun. 

Rock Paper Scissors Relay

Players form two lines (teams) and face each other. Starting on a signal, the first players move towards each other, engaging in rock paper scissors upon meeting. The winner advances in the same direction while the other team sends their next player. This process repeats until a player successfully crosses to the other side, rejoining their team while new players start again. 

Sports-Inspired Games

Soccer, basketball, and now even flag football are all a part of the Summer Olympic festivities. Here are some unique variations of common ball games. 

Three-Line Basketball

Participants form teams of three players each. One team starts with possession and aims to score while the opposing team defends. After each possession, teams rotate based on scoring or defensive outcomes, with players waiting in line cheering on their teammates. The goal is for a team to score first and continue playing until they win three consecutive games, earning applause before returning to the end of the line.

Interception

In this game, players take turns as quarterback, receiver, and defender in each round. The quarterback aims to throw the ball to the receiver, who tries to reach the end zone without being tagged by the defender. The roles rotate after each round based on outcomes such as catches, tags, or scoring, ensuring everyone gets a chance in each position. 

Knock Down Soccer

Players are divided into two groups with each group having a stack of cones on opposite sides of the play area. With two (or more) soccer balls in play, the goal is to use the balls to knock down the opposing team’s cones. After knocking down a cone, players retrieve it and line it up on their side of the field. The game concludes when one team successfully moves all the cones to their side, with multiple balls ensuring active participation throughout.

Multi-Ball

Divide players into infield and outfield teams on a kickball field. Each kicker can kick a kickball, punt a football, or throw a frisbee, then run around the bases continuously while outfielders retrieve and place the equipment at designated bases. The goal is to place the equipment correctly before the runner reaches home base. This game helps develop teamwork, understanding of a kickball field’s structure, and the importance of playing assigned positions in a team sport.​

Solo & Small Group Games

For kids who enjoy small group activities, these games are perfect for staying engaged and developing physical and social skills.

Popcorn

Each player throws a ball or object into the air and tries to clap as many times as possible before catching it. This game can be played individually or in groups, and it can be modified by using different objects or adding challenges​. 

Wallball

Players take turns hitting a ball against a wall, allowing it to bounce once on the ground before reaching the wall and once again before being returned by the next player. The game continues until a player hits the ball out of bounds or does not allow for the correct number of bounces. This game can be played with two players, a small rotating group, or even individually. 

Red Light, Green Light

Players start at the starting line and move towards the finish line when “Green Light” is called. When “Red Light” is called, they must stop immediately; if they move, they return to the start. The game ends when most players reach the finish line, and variations can include different movements for additional colors​. Learn to play

Olympic Games are not complete without celebrating the achievements of the athletes’s accomplishments. Download and print this certificate to award to your at-home Olympians and enjoy all of the fun and excitement of the 2024 games! 

The post At Home Olympics appeared first on Playworks.

The first few weeks of summer bring fun and excitement and the return of free time and fun, seasonal activities. But as the summer stretches on, it can be challenging to keep kids engaged and avoid dreaded phrases “I’m bored” or “there’s nothing to do.”

To help keep the fun going all summer long, we’ve compiled some tips and games that can help your entire family stay active and entertained.

Beat the Heat with Water Games

When the temperature rises, incorporating water games into play time can be a great way to cool off and have a blast. 

Sponge Pass: Have players form a seated line. At the front, place a bucket full of water with a large sponge. At the back of the line place an empty bucket. Pass the soaked sponge over your head to the person behind you. The last person in line squeezes the water into a bucket then the emptied sponge is passed back to the front to start again. The object of the game is to get as much of the water from the front bucket to the back in a limited amount of time (ex. 2 minutes)

Water Cup Relay: In this relay game, players stand in line behind an empty bucket, then run to a full bucket with a cup to transfer water to the empty one before passing the cup to the next person. Two teams can play to see who can fill their bucket faster. 

Duck, Duck, Splash: In a water-filled twist on Duck, Duck, Goose, players sit in a circle as one person walks around, tapping shoulders and saying “duck.” Instead of saying “goose,” they pour water on the chosen person, who then chases them around the circle. If tagged, the chaser becomes the new “it.”

Find more water games

Fun at the Park

Parks and community playgrounds offer endless opportunities for summer fun. 

Off the Ground Tag: Every player is safe if they are not standing on the ground, but on another object like a playscape, bench, etc. To be fair to the tagger, however, runners cannot be off the ground for more than five seconds. Count the seconds similar to five Mississippis, but five *name of the park*, such as “one, Deerfield Park, two Deerfield Park, three, Deerfield Park”, etc. 

Iron Lung: Think of this as a race. Players take their mark on the starting line and take the deepest breath they can and hold it in. On “go,” players begin running and yelling, until they are out of breath. When their breath is gone, they must stop. Then turn around and see how far they got. This is sure to make even the most energetic kids want to take a break before playing again.

Follow the Leader: Go on a nature hike while mimicking the leader’s movements. Whether bending down to look or jumping over twigs, followers must replicate the leader’s actions as they take turns leading the group.

Check out more games for the park

Go for a Walk

If you don’t have a park nearby, these games can be played while you go for a walk around the neighborhood.

Colors: Every person chooses or is assigned a color and must look for that color on your route. Players get points for each object they see with their assigned color. Players must state clearly what the object is and keep track of their own points.

Group Count: This game requires the group to be quiet and listen attentively to each other. Everyone takes turns saying numbers in sequence, therefore, counting as a group. The group, however, may not make a plan for the counting order and must take turns randomly. If two players say a number at the same time, the group must start back at one. The goal of the game is to reach ten, then a higher number as everyone gets better.

Scavenger Hunt: Make it collaborative and before you go out for a walk, create a list of what you are looking for. This can vary depending on where you are walking, but make some items harder and easier! Try to complete your entire list before you head home.

Find more go for a walk games

Taking Fun on the Road

Going on vacation? Play these games during road trips, at the airport, in line at the amusement park, or in the downtime between activities.  

Name that Tune: With the radio or music streaming service, have one person be the DJ and play the first 5 to 10 seconds of a song before cutting it off.  The rest of the group tries to guess the song in 30 seconds or less. Once your group has made it through a set number of songs, let the person who had the most correct guesses DJ next!

Alphabet Race: All players must be first to find something outside of the vehicle/waiting area that starts with the letter “A” and call it out for all to hear. After that move on to the letter “B” and so on through the alphabet. 

Up, Down, Stop, Go: This is a game of opposites, in which a caller says one command and players do the opposite. Generally played with the whole body, the game of Up, Down, Stop, Go can be easily modified for seated play. Up = hands raised high in the air. Down = reach hands to your toes. Stop = move legs and arms like you’re running. Go = freeze with hands out in front of your body.

Check out more Road Trip Games and Waiting Games

Indoor Summer Fun

If it’s too hot outside and you’re unable to venture out, don’t forget, we have a whole Play at Home Playbook filled with games that can be played indoors, with no equipment needed.

Check out our Youtube playlist for interactive games led by Playworks Coaches.

Now that you have plenty of games to play this summer, we hope your break is filled with fun, relaxation, and play! 

The post Games to Play this Summer appeared first on Playworks.

The UN proclamation champions a child’s right to play and underscores the need to promote access to daily and engaging play to kids across the region. The celebration also reinforces Playworks New England’s work to bring the importance of recess to the forefront because of playing’s positive cognitive, physical, emotional, and social benefits and the externally validated program’s positive impact on student attendance. 

“With this proclamation, the United Nations continues to recognize the importance of extending high-quality play time to all children across the globe in hopes of achieving healthy development for children worldwide,” says Renee Gaudette, Playworks New England Executive Director. “Research has shown that recess is an important component of childhood development, and we are thrilled to partner with Hasbro to lead the way and call attention to the benefits of play.”

To kick off this partnership, on June 11, Playworks New England and Hasbro will combine efforts through the development of co-branded Active Indoor Recess Kits. Playworks will facilitate a short period of play with Hasbro employees before they pack more than 3,600 donated games into kits to be sent to high-need schools in Rhode Island to encourage play throughout the upcoming school year. Each kit will contain various age-appropriate Hasbro games that will promote the same social-emotional skills as a complementary Playworks recess game, ensuring the reinforcement of vital skills across all aspects of a child’s life.

“At Hasbro, we are deeply committed to the transformative power of play and strive to ensure every child has access to its benefits,” said Kevin Colman, Senior Director of Global Philanthropy and Social Impact at Hasbro. “Partnering with Playworks New England on the inaugural International Day of Play allows us to amplify our mission in our own backyard. Together, we are creating safe, engaging environments where children can thrive, laying the groundwork for a brighter, more playful future.”

Through its partnership with Playworks, Hasbro joins other Rhode Island-based organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition to promote safe, active, and engaging play for all students across the state through the Recess Rocks in Rhode Island initiative. Powered by Playworks, the #RecessRocksinRI program has reached approximately 120 schools across the state over the past nine years and impacts 67,000 kids annually.  As a team, #RecessRocksinRI aims to change school culture and improve children’s health by leveraging safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day.

About Playworks 

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. The organization, which has operated in New England for 18 years, aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. For over 25 years, Playworks has improved kids’ experience at school and enhanced school culture by creating a caring and welcoming environment for every kid to thrive. The organization brings out the best in every kid and adult through moments of joy, connection, skill development, and physical activity. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide. For more information, visit: www.playworks.org. 

About Hasbro 

Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers play experiences for fans of all ages around the world, through toys, games, licensed consumer products, digital games and services, location-based entertainment, film, TV, and more. With a portfolio of over 1,800 iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. 

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn. 

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The post Playworks New England and Hasbro Team Up to Celebrate the Inaugural International Day of Play in Rhode Island on June 11 appeared first on Playworks.

On this day, and throughout the year, adults and decision-makers are asked to:

• Invest in kids’ right to play
• Provide more opportunities for play
• Protect safe and accessible play spaces
• Respect the voices of play advocates
• Support social skill development through play

“We did this because we believe every child can reach their full potential, with the time, space and access to play.”

Playworks joins the other founding organizations in uplifting kids’ fundamental right to play, and the many benefits that play can have for our children. Through play, kids can build resilience, develop confidence, form relationships, and practice many important life skills. By creating safe spaces and time for play, we can strengthen our communities, one child at a time.

Taking part in the International Day of Play can be as simple as making extra time to play on June 11. Get in the game in person, or participate online by sharing the play movement with your network.

Here are a few games that you can play anywhere, without any playground equipment needed!

Rock Paper Scissors Stretch

Beans on Toast

I See I See

Looking for more games to try on? Visit our free Game Library

Want to get your workplace involved? Download our free Work Play Balance Playbook for great games to play with adults.

Learn more about the International Day of Play

The post 2024 International Day of Play appeared first on Playworks.

This virtual conversation engaged medical professionals, educators, and other community leaders to shine a spotlight on the various people who form the ecosystem of care for youth and how play-based practices can make a difference across all of those relationships and settings.

Our panel of experts included: 

Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, pediatrician, received her medical degree and business degree from the University of MN and is the Vice President and Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota.

Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national organization dedicated to ensuring access to safe and healthy play for all kids.

Jessica Driscoll is the Assistant Principal at Marcy Arts Elementary School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Arwa K. Nasir, MBBS, MSc, MPH is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and is the chair of the AAP’s Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health.

Michael D. Patrick, Jr, MD, is an emergency medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and host of PediaCast and PediaCast CME Podcasts.

To help add to the discussion, attendees were encouraged to submit questions related to their experiences with play and student mental health for a Q&A session moderated by Dr. Gigi Chawla. 

We received dozens of excellent questions and although we could not answer them all live during the webinar, our panel of experts have provided some additional responses and resources below.

How does play help students who are easily dysregulated?

Play is a powerful way for students to engage in activities that are inherently enjoyable, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. This is especially true in cooperative games where students can express themselves creatively, develop social skills, and build emotional resilience alongside their peers while building a sense of community. Additionally, playtime also offers students an opportunity to regulate their emotions by experimenting with different roles, problem-solving, and practicing self-control in a safe and supportive setting. 

As adults, we need to have strategies to help create environments that get kids into a calm and alert state. By creating norms and expectations, creating de-escalation strategies (such as a repetitive motion like bouncing a ball and talking in soft voices), and creating opportunities for belonging, leveraging play to build social and emotional support rewires brains–and schools.

In schools, the quality of recess (e.g., physical and emotional safety, student engagement, adult engagement) matters. High quality recess significantly predicts elementary school student behaviors related to emotional self-control and resilience, according to research. 

How do you balance providing consequences for misbehavior at recess (taking recess away) and the need for play?

Clear communication of playground rules and expectations is key to limiting disagreements and misbehavior that can disrupt playtime. This starts with creating shared agreements or “group agreements” among students and staff that describe what safe and cooperative play looks, feels, and sounds like on the playground. 

An example of a playground group agreement could be: “I will be safe. I will be respectful. I will have fun.”

When a student’s actions are not aligned with these agreements, recess staff can use conflict resolution activities or redirect the student to a different game/activity. This will allow the student an opportunity to change their behavior without missing out on the positive benefits of play.

Play should not be treated as a reward to be revoked. If you ask a kid why play is important, they’ll often respond that it helps them get their energy out. We also know that it can be utilized to support their emotional regulation. Every kid should benefit from playing every day. By focusing on having peer leaders and adults in alignment on norms, de-escalation strategies, and developing relationships, kids can stay at recess and experience the support of their caring community when they’re struggling to meet certain behavior expectations at recess.

When increasing academic learning time is a focus, how do teachers help convince administrators to make more time for recess?

The benefits of play extend while beyond the playground and can be seen in students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. There is a growing base of research that suggests physical activity can reduce the risk of depression in kids ages 6-13. 

By framing recess as essential for promoting physical, mental, and emotional health and acquiring life skills, teachers can collaborate with administrators to prioritize and allocate sufficient time for recess within the school day, ultimately benefiting students’ academic achievement and well-being. When kids play, they build relationships with their peers and adults, which helps create a supportive learning environment in the school and classroom. After all, play is the way kids learn.

What is the recommendation for recess minutes in a 7 hour school day for grades 1-5? How can you use play at school to support SEL and mental health?

Every kid should play every day. When considering the benefits of recess, the majority of research has focused on the impact on student physical activity, which has led to some states adopting standards for the number of minutes of recess per day, but this research didn’t look at the impact on student’s mental well-being. When it comes to mental well-being, an examination of recess quality and student behavior by Dr. William Massey & Dr. John Geldhof showed that a high-quality recess experience matters more than the number of minutes of play to reap the benefits on a child’s social and emotional well-being. So with whatever number of minutes you have per day, ensure that kids feel emotionally and physically safe, empowered, and engaged. If you’re looking for a tool to assess your recess, visit recesslab.org/checkup.

Play experiences can also trickle into the lunchroom, assemblies, the classroom, and hallways, bolstering the benefits provided by recess, so if your students don’t have much time at recess, consider when else you might make playtime happen. Need ideas to help kids play? Visit Playworks’ Game Library.

The post Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play appeared first on Playworks.

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But recess can also be an important way for students, especially girls, to not only develop stronger, healthier bodies, but also build the key confidence needed for continuous learning and growth.

Findings from Mathematica Policy Research shed light on the transformative power of Playworks’ programming in shaping the physical activity habits of young girls.

The study revealed that girls attending Playworks partner schools spent significantly more time engaged in vigorous physical activity compared to their counterparts in non-Playworks schools. This increase in physical activity among girls was attributed to the inclusive and intentional play environment fostered by Playworks.

As part of the study, 29 schools were randomly assigned to either receive Playworks services for one full school year or act as a control group. Using a combination of accelerometers and recess observation, researchers gather data to create a comprehensive picture of the program’s effects on both boys and girls. 

Girls in Playworks schools exhibited significantly higher accelerometer intensity counts, or the physical activity that produces health benefits, and spent more time engaged in vigorous physical activity compared to their counterparts in control schools.

A significant impact was also found on the types of activities in which girls engaged during recess; girls at schools with Playworks programming were less likely than those in the control group to be sedentary and more likely to engage in jumping, tag, and playground games.

Staff at Playworks schools also noticed a tangible difference after witnessing the program’s impact, with one educator noting,

“It’s been rewarding seeing diverse groups of students engaged in cooperative games. I’ve especially enjoyed seeing girls participate in games which they may have previously felt discomfort joining in.”

By investing in programs like Playworks, your school can create inclusive playgrounds that serve as incubators for confidence, resilience, and lifelong health. Let’s continue to champion the power of play in shaping a brighter, more empowered future for all!

Bring Playworks to your school

The post Research Shows Girls at Playworks Schools Get More Physical Activity appeared first on Playworks.

During #AmeriCorpsWeek, we are giving our best Appreciation Claps to our 74 AmeriCorps Members completing their service year with Playworks. These dedicated, hardworking, playful Coaches are working in 67 schools in 7 regions, bringing the power of play to thousands of kids.

In total, they have already completed 58,007 hours of service and 14 regional service projects for 9/11 National Day of Service and MLK National Day of Service. 

This year of service brings with it a unique meaning to each coach. A couple coaches shared,

“Service means showing up as your best self while helping others become theirs.” – Coach Justice

“Service to me is a selfless act where your actions are not for your own benefit, but for the benefit of others” – Coach Nayo

Please join us in celebrating these individuals having an incredible impact in their communities each and every day!

Our 2023-24 AmeriCorps Coaches are currently serving in:

Colorado

Indiana

Michigan

New England

New York/New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Southern California

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