![]() ![]() There was one student that I taught how to play basketball. "Some children felt bad because they didn't know how to play the game, so then we helped them learn how to play. "I was happy because I got to help the other children," says Gustavo, a former Sports4Kids junior coach who is now a sixth grader in middle school. COORDINATORS, JUNIOR COACHES "RULE" THE DAY The organization currently has branches in San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C., and future expansion is planned. ![]() Playworks began in two Berkeley, California, elementary schools and today serves more than 50,000 students in 131 low-income public schools. ![]() So playing games - especially games like kickball and four square games that anyone can learn quickly and enjoy - is the best way to create that positive association with physical fitness." "Other studies have found that kids are more likely to engage in an activity over the course of their lives if they experience that activity as fun at a young age. Because ofĬuts, there are actually more opportunities to teach and encourage kids to be more physically active in recess than there are in physical education or after-school programs," Vialet reported. "Last fall, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation concluded that recess was the single best way to boost physical activity in kids. A nonprofit organization, it works side-by-side with physical education teachers to promote opportunities for physical activity. Playworks helps schools make the most of recess times, providing skilled coordinators who create a safe and structured environment and organize games and sports during recess periods. "The program is instrumental in getting kids excited about sports, particularly students who might normally be reluctant to participate."Īt a time when some schools are eliminating recess in favor of additional instructional time, Vialet believes that encouraging healthy play at recess is vital and can contribute to the classroom learning environment. "As a result of the program, a significantly higher percentage of girls are participating in basketball, dodge ball, soccer and there are significantly fewer conflicts between students," Adams observed. Interpersonal conflicts frequently occurred. Larissa Adam, of Ascend Elementary School in Oakland, California, knew that Playworks was "working" at her school when she saw middle school girls getting excited about taking part in basketball practice during lunch recess so that they could prepare for weekly games.īefore Playworks came to Ascend five years ago, many girls were not playing sports and getting exercise during recess. "We know that what happens in the classroom is important, but what happens on the playground is also vital to the health of kids and schools." "We know that play is essential to the emotional, social, and physical development of kids," explains Jill Vialet, founder and president of Playworks (formerly known as Sports4Kids). Through talented on-site playground coordinators and well-trained junior coaches, it provides the structure and guidance required to make recess the powerful and productive experience it should be. This is where Playworks, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California, comes in. Many students don't come to school with the tools they need to resolve conflicts or the basic understanding of playground games. But before you decide to eliminate this important opportunity for physical activity, consider the causes of the chaos. Playworks: Reforming Recess by Teaching Rules of PlayĪsk some principals to identify the most difficult part of their day, and it will be recess, a time when fights and visits to the nurse's office skyrocket. Best Books for Teachers, Students and Parents. ![]()
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