Playworks

Our Playworks Pacific NW team recently traveled to Alaska to share the power of play with local schools. Hear more about the partnership, youth leaders, and learning to play Switch in the snow on this episode of the Alaska Edventure Podcast. Host and Superintendent Dr. Meinert explores these topics and more with Denali Elementary Principal Becky Zaverl, and Playworks Partner Experience Manager Sam Sorscher. https://lnkd.in/gA5rFt_b

What does it look like to host over 1,0000 student leaders at an annual Junior Coach Leadership Conference? Here's a snapshot from our Playworks Wisconsin team's event, sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation at Marquette University. Students from across the state celebrated the impact of their leadership on the playground. The energy was electric as Junior Coaches for different schools met each other for the first time. #studentleaders #JuniorCoachLeadershipConference #powerofplay

How can play help benefit children’s mental health? The American Academy of Pediatrics and Playworks are teaming up for a free webinar on May 16 to explore how more playful environments can nurture every child’s mental well-being. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gtUEnyPU #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #mentalhealth #wellbeing #powerofplay

Educators - have you heard about Playworks' Recess Checkup? This 3-minute, online quiz helps you assess your recess and uncover areas for improvement, then receive tailored tips for those improvements. This week, take the checkup for an opportunity to win a one year subscription to our new digital platform Playworks Learn for your whole school. https://lnkd.in/gVq9hpFv

Even as the school year wraps up (or especially now) students can continue developing conflict resolution skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Learning conflict resolution strategies can help students practice communication, empathy, independence, and problem-solving skills. Edutopia - George Lucas Educational Foundation compiled several great conflict resolution tools to try on, including something you'll see on Playworks playgrounds, Peace Paths! https://lnkd.in/g8ZVkG9Y #conflictresolution #PeacePath #empoweringstudents

Last Thursday, Principal Jenny Parker and Junior Coaches from Weaver Elementary joined our Playworks Minnesota team for a hearing at the Capital. We are so proud of these youth leaders who demonstrated the power of Playworks for their state representatives. #youthleadership #powerofplay #Playworksforeverykid

Our next AmeriCorps Coach spotlight is on Sam, aka Coach Slam, who is serving with Playworks Southern California at 95th St Elementary School. Sam's manager shared, "Noteworthy is Sam's unwavering commitment to going above and beyond, irrespective of the challenges presented by various environments. His active involvement in the National AmeriCorps Leadership Team is marked by his effective leadership, exemplified by the insightful discussion he facilitated among peers regarding their expectations from the leadership team." When asked about his experience, Sam had this to say: "As an AmeriCorps Coach, I believe that service is using a skill or giving out a part of yourself in order to uplift someone else. This could mean supporting an individual, or something even bigger like a community or organization." Coach Slam also shared that his favorite part of the day during service is "interacting with students during openings and closings, especially since some time has passed since I first started having those conversations. It’s been eye opening to see the growth in some of the students in such a short amount of time." Slam Dunk Claps for you, Coach Slam! 🙌🏀

We can't wait to take part in this international celebration of the transformative power of play! #InternationalDayofPlay

Strong, impactful relationships with caring, consistent adults are at the core of what we do at Playworks, and are essential for healthy youth development. Join us and our friends at Camp Fire in celebrating Absolutely Incredible Kid Day today. Tell the young people in your life what makes them special, unique, INCREDIBLE! #KidDay

All of our AmeriCorps Members are leaders in their schools and communities. But these 5 individuals have taken their leadership even further. This year, the Playworks National AmeriCorps Leadership Team is spearheading and implementing several Member initiatives, fostering community, supporting retention and recruitment efforts, and helping fellow Members get the most out of their service and experience. Whoosh claps to Shaunella, Sam, Kasey, Tasha, and Maddarell! #AmeriCorps #AmeriThanks #leadership #serviceyear #experience