Stories of Play

When I showed my principal the list of students accepted to our school’s Junior Coach program this year, she gasped. One fifth grade name in particular stood out to her. I didn’t know Lailaney’s story, but it turned out she was the school’s inspiration to partner with Playworks. During her third grade year, the playground…

When I first arrived at my school as the new Playworks Coach, I found that many students came to school tired and cranky, and were quick to fight, swear, cheat, and lie during recess games. However, there were some students who wanted to cooperate and participate, demonstrating respect, responsibility, inclusivity and healthy play. I needed…

Eric is a kindergarten student who rarely chose to play at recess. He was pleasant and talkative with teachers and recess staff, but was hesitant to interact with classmates. One day, Eric came to recess carrying a napkin, on which he had written, “I want to play Paper Clip Football.” Paper Clip Football is a…

This story comes from Laura Diedrich, an educator in Littleton, CO upon completing Playworks Pro and implementing new games and activities at recess. Sean is an amazing first grader at our school. He loves to talk with teachers and be a helper whenever possible. We began noticing that at recess, he would much rather hang…

It is raining outside, as it usually is in Oregon. Ella, a fifth grader, sits by herself against the wall at recess. She refuses to make eye contact with any of the kids running past her. She tells me she had to give a speech in class today, and it did not go well. She…

Our Playworks AmeriCorps coaches make a positive impact every day at each of the schools we serve in Southern California. Coaches transform schools, engage communities, and inspire youth leaders. During AmeriCorps Week we celebrate their commitment to service and getting things done on playgrounds all over Southern California. Here’s an inspiring story from AmeriCorps Coach…

Our AmeriCorps members are the shining light of the programming here in Michigan! They hold the very rewarding, and sometimes challenging position of being the day-to-day faces of our overall mission. All of our Playworks Coach schools are supported by AmeriCorps members. They serve Monday through Friday at their school sites, but also dedicate a…

Current Role: Senior Manager of Experiences at IfOnly Who is Catherine Herzog? I’m a native to Southern California and have chased sunshine and adventure since I was a kid. I am known to be an impulsive and frequent traveler, with a habit of moving every few years (typically to places I’ve never visited before), including…

For former Playworks coach turned second-grade teacher Dana Lovecchio, play doesn’t just enhance learning, it’s central to her teaching approach. “I like to think that everything I need to know about teaching I learned at Sports4Kids and Playworks,” says Lovecchio. Lovecchio served as a coach for Playworks (then Sports4Kids) from 2002 to 2004 in the…