Playworks

Meet our amazing Junior Coaches at Indian Hills Elementary, Cora & Holden! 👋 Through the Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Program, students build leadership skills by learning and teaching games, promoting fair play, and resolving conflicts in positive ways. With support from our on-site Playworks Coach, these young leaders help create safe, inclusive play for everyone during recess. 🗓️ April 5–11 is #WeekoftheYoungChild, and we’re proud to celebrate the Jr. Coaches who keep the games going strong at our partner schools! Stay tuned this week for more interviews with Jr. Coaches from across Metro Detroit. Want to bring the power of play to your school, community, or workplace? Contact Jamere Dixon at jamere.dixon@playworks.org to learn more. Romeo Community Schools Lisa Wujczyk Playworks

Play isn’t a break from learning—it’s an essential part of the process. Explore how play can support student success in the classroom.  https://lnkd.in/gkpRgNcX #Playworks #Playworksforeverykid #playbasedlearning #playeveryday

This month, our AmeriCorps Member spotlight is on Coach Tom serving with Playworks Pennsylvania. Tom's manager said, "Tom embodies what a leader is. Tom has been able to handle unexpected situations with confidence and find creative solutions to the different challenges he faces at his school. He is able to do all of this with the upmost enthusiasm for service and relationship building." He also shared a fun story about Coach Tom: "One of our Playworks staff members shared a time when she went to the gas station and the gas station attendant noticed her blue Playworks shirt. She then went on to tell her about how her daughter goes to a school Playworks is partnered with and raved about the coach there - Tom. She mentioned that her daughter goes home and shows her the new games Coach Tom taught and they make it a thing to have family game nights now because of the fun, positive experience Tom created for that student!" When asked about his favorite part of his role, Tom shared, "I have the opportunity to make a difference every day by engaging with students through play-what more could I ask for?" #AmeriCorps #serviceyear #Playworks

As our AmeriCorps Week celebrations continue, we want to give a special shout-out to our Playworks National AmeriCorps Leadership Team. These AmeriCorps Members are serving as leaders bringing new initiatives, enthusiasm, and support both to their peers and to the Playworks staff. #AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorpsWorks #gratitude #appreciation #serviceyear #AmeriCorps

Please join us in celebrating our 49 Playworks AmeriCorps Members who are part of a movement, created a lasting impact in communities nationwide. Whoosh Claps to these dedicated individuals, serving in 53 schools and sharing the power of play with thousands of kids everyday. During AmeriCorps Week, be sure to follow along as we share the extraordinary ways AmeriCorps works for America: https://lnkd.in/gHXCX2iH #AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorpsWorks

ICYMI: The recording of last week's webinar Adapting Play for Every Space is now available! Check out this installment and the rest of The Game Plan webinar series here: https://lnkd.in/eDTgfjG7

This month our AmeriCorps Member spotlight is on Coach Jai who is currently serving with Playworks Michigan. Jai's manager said, "Jai has been resilient and a shining light for the Michigan team" and can be counted on to "find creative ways to engage and give back to the community." Beyond just supporting schools and students, Jai has stepped up in support of the Michigan's AmeriCorps cohort, serving as a role model, guiding new members on what to expect during their terms of service, and helping these teammates learn how to engage and have fun while serving. When asked why service matters and for a bright spot from this year, Jai shared: "Service matters to me because it gives you an opportunity to find different ways to make the school community come together. A special story that I have is when I picked my Junior Coaches. The principal let me take all of the Junior Coaches that I picked out of class for 5 minutes. The principal, vice principal, and I made the announcement to them together. It made me feel closer to the school and students because we all were a part of a celebration together for the students that got chosen for the Junior Coach program." Keep up the great work, Jai!

Don’t let weather, space, or time stop the fun! Discover practical ways to adapt play for a variety of unique spaces and situations in our free webinar on February 19. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gKnENb-a #freewebinar #professionaldevelopment #learning

"One of the most effective ways to break down barriers and foster meaningful, engaged communication is through purposeful play." https://lnkd.in/g27zpBkz At Playworks, we know the benefits of play aren't just for kids, but adults too. Check out our Corporate Recess opportunities for your workplace: https://lnkd.in/gkF2SSaj

Ahhh! What a thrill to be able to share Watertown Mayer Elementary's journey with 40 school administrators yesterday at Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA) Institute. Katie O'Connell and Katie Brandenburg Ed. S. took the Playworks Junior Coach program to the next level this year with 80 4th graders and 12 high school recess coaches. Their staff and students are so lucky to have them and their relentless pursuit of joy and innovation. Ask me about it!! #play #recess