Playworks Illinois
Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
About
All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.
Latest News
February 7, 2023
Building Skill Through Play: Encouraging Students to Initiate and Sustain Games ›
The second semester of school is under way and it’s off to a great start! School staff have been working the entire first semester of school to create a welcoming environment at recess, teach conflict resolution skills, and play so many fun games. In January, school staff were focusing on encouraging students to initiate and…
February 3, 2023
Partnership Spotlight: Troy Community Consolidated School District ›
Playworks Illinois has so many wonderful partnerships with schools and districts throughout Illinois. One partnership we’re highlighting is with Troy Community Consolidated School District located in Will County. There are plenty of different pathways for partnerships with Playworks, so when Jill Tsoukalas, Executive Director of Instruction and Professional Development for the Troy school district reached…
January 17, 2023
Program Spotlight: TeamUp ›
Playworks offers a variety of service options to best meet the needs of our partner schools and youth serving organizations. TeamUp is a service that combines direct service and consultative support to schools to help build school staff capacity. A Playworks Site Coordinator serves in a consultant role for their schools throughout the year, utilizing…
January 13, 2023
Mid-Year Impact Report ›
Playworks Illinois is excited to share our Mid-Year Impact Report with you! In this Impact Report you can find our impact numbers so far this year and our recent case study on our Junior Coach Leadership Program. Read it now! Impact Report
Upcoming Events
September 28, 2023 @ 6:00 PM
Playworks Illinois Get in the Game ›
Get your tickets now for Get in the Game on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Bridge 410 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. This celebratory evening will include dinner, cocktails, a silent…
A Better Recess
Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:
Kids are at their best
Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.
Kids become leaders
They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.
Kids choose to be active
When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.