When kids get to step up among their peers as leaders, the results are astounding. Kids who experience Playworks’ youth leadership-focused program said that they’re more motivated to excel academically, to get active, and to develop critical skills that will help them throughout their lives, like critical thinking, optimism, and perseverance. And schools that have implemented our program consistently experience fewer behavior referrals, more time spent learning, and a more vibrant and connected community.

We can help you design a youth leadership program unique to your community, using our best practices. Playworks’ new Youth Leadership training program will equip your school or community-based organization with everything you need to run a successful, sustainable program that benefits the kids you support and adults on your team.

You will leave this unique professional development training with a plan to recruit, support, and train student leaders on your recess playground and sustain a youth leadership program.

Together, we’ll help you establish a youth leadership program and help establish the value of this program contributing to a positive recess and community. We will also explore the roles and responsibilities related to recruiting and supporting participants, and help the adults on your team establish a plan to infuse best practices into your program. Finally, we will equip the adults with the tools and techniques necessary to sustain a successful program. 

The program includes:

• A one-day, in-person workshop for your team

• Access to the program’s unique curriculum 

• One consultative visit with our team once your program is up and running*

• Access for one year to a digital version of the course for your team to use to sustain your practices and train new staff

Contact us for pricing and availability

“Both of my Junior Coaches have developed a great sense of responsibility and leadership skills from this program. They have also gained self-confidence, which has improved their motivation and level of quality in their academic achievements.” – 3rd Grade Teacher

*Additional consultative visits/calls available upon request.

The post Playworks announces new Youth Leadership training program appeared first on Playworks.

At Playworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of play extend far beyond recess time. When kids have the opportunity to play, it not only keeps them physically active but also helps to fuel their academic success. Research shows that incorporating time for play can lead to more engaged and motivated students, reclaimed instructional time, and a classroom environment where learning thrives.  

Play Supports Learning in the Brain and the Classroom

Play isn’t a break from learning—it’s an essential part of the process. Movement and active play help stimulate brain function, increase focus, and improve cognitive processing. According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which supports executive function skills like working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility—all essential for academic success.

Why does this matter? Executive functions are the building blocks for goal-setting, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Without these skills, students may struggle to follow instructions, retain new information, or shift their attention between tasks. Active play strengthens these foundational brain functions, making it easier for kids to stay engaged and succeed in academic settings.

Academic Motivation and Engagement

When students feel active and connected on the playground, they’re more motivated to learn in the classroom. In a recent survey, 95% of educators at Playworks schools reported that our recess programming helps create an engaging learning environment. Additionally, 85% of students who participate in Playworks’ Junior Coach Leadership program recently reported a positive change in their academic motivation and incentive to succeed in school. 

Feeling motivated isn’t just about enjoying school—it’s about building the confidence and sense of purpose that helps kids persevere through challenges, set goals, and stay engaged in their learning. Play lays the groundwork for this by fostering connections and a sense of competence that supports a strong classroom mindset.

When kids are motivated and ready to learn, classroom time becomes more effective—and more efficient.

Reclaiming Valuable Class Time

Transitional moments—like shifting from math to reading, returning from lunch, or walking to art class—can be particularly challenging for teachers. During these times, students are often restless, distracted, or still carrying energy and emotions from the previous activity. Without intentional strategies to guide these transitions, they can become drawn out or disruptive, ultimately cutting into valuable instructional time and making it harder to re-engage students in learning. But when students have time to move, play, and release energy, return to class more focused and ready to learn. In fact, schools with Playworks report spending 34% fewer minutes transitioning from recess to learning activities. 

That reclaimed time matters. Over the course of a school year, it can add up to hours of additional instruction time that may otherwise be lost. It also helps create a learning environment that’s less chaotic and more productive. When classroom time is more focused, students are better able to build the critical academic and interpersonal skills they need to succeed.

Check out these five activities to help your students smoothly transition from the playground to the classroom. 

Building Skills That Support Academic Growth

Through games and play, students develop skills like cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution that directly support academic success. Games require students to follow directions, solve problems, and collaborate with peers, all of which build the cognitive and interpersonal foundations needed in the classroom and throughout the rest of their lives. 

A student who can ask for help from a teammate, resolve a disagreement about a rule, or focus during a game can find ways to translate these skills to the classroom. Play creates a space to practice these interactions and build confidence so they’ll be better positioned to work in groups in the classroom–and later in life in the workplace.

These same skills also play a role in how well students absorb and process information.

Movement Boosts Memory and Processing

In addition to supporting in-classroom learning, play can also help boost students’ ability to remember and process the information they take in during the school day. According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, even short bouts of physical activity can enhance brain function and memory in school-age children. 

This is especially important in today’s classrooms, where students are often expected to sit still for long stretches of time. When kids have the chance to move regularly throughout the day—whether during recess, classroom games, or quick brain breaks—they’re better able to retain what they’re learning and apply it in meaningful ways.

Play Is a Powerful Investment in Learning

When we prioritize play in our schools we are also making learning more effective and supporting students’ overall academic success. Play creates the conditions for students to be focused, curious, and ready to succeed.

At Playworks, we believe every child deserves to play every day—because, like you, we want children to thrive on the playground, in the classroom, and throughout their lives. 

The post How Play Fuels Academic Success appeared first on Playworks.

When resources are limited, a little ingenuity can go a long way in keeping kids moving, engaged, and most importantly, having fun. Here are a few of our top tips to make the most of what you already have and spark joy when materials are limited. 

No-equipment Games

Games that require no materials or equipment are a great way to encourage kids’ imagination and creativity. Check out these equipment-free games to get the creativity flowing:

• Running Through The Forest: Players use their imagination to navigate through a forest and avoid rocks, branches, and other obstacles that may get in their way.
• Charades Relay: Teams act out scenarios without words, racing to communicate their clue to teammates.
• Emotion Freeze: A variation of freeze tag where kids freeze in different emotional poses (e.g., “happy,” “surprised”).
• All Tangled Up: Players form a human knot by holding hands randomly and work together to untangle themselves without letting go.

Repurposing Everyday Items

If traditional recess items like balls and hula hoops are unavailable, no problem! Many household or classroom items can double as play equipment. For example:

Paper Plates can be used as cones/boundary markers or stepping stones for obstacle courses.

• Game Idea
  • Paper Plate Tic-Tac-Toe: Set up a large grid on the ground with masking tape and use paper plates with markings as Xs and Os.

Scarves or bandanas are perfect for capture the flag games, tossing challenges or even markers for flag football.

• Game Idea
  • Birds of Prey: Students sit in a line and use silent communication to race and collect a bandana (or other marker) on the opposite side of the room

Plastic cups can be utilized for stacking games or as objects that are passed around in circle games. They can also be stacked in relay races or used as bowling pins.

• Game Idea
  • Stack Attack: Lay 8 – 10 cups on a table (open sides down). Students must combine the cups into one stack using only one hand in the shortest time possible. 

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated storage area for repurposed materials to make setup quick and easy.

Maximizing Multipurpose Equipment

Some play items can serve multiple roles, making them versatile playtime staples. For instance:

• Hula Hoops can be used traditionally and spun around the waist/hips or as a key component in jumping, tossing, and boundary-based games. 
  • Game Ideas
    • Pizza Delivery
    • Lava Game
    • Castle Ball
    • Hula Tag
• Beanbags are ideal for tossing games, balance challenges, or obstacle courses.
  • Game Ideas
    • Tic Tac Toe Relay
    • Let’s Go Fishing
    • Steal the Bacon
    • Huckle Buckle Beanstock
• Balloons can be used as a replacement in some ball-based games for a new challenge that encourages hand-eye coordination and patience. 
  • Game Ideas
    • Ball Toss Race
    • Popcorn
    • Bubbles
    • Tornado

DIY Play Equipment

Getting kids involved in crafting their play equipment can be a fun way to help them take ownership of playtime. Here are some ideas:

• Relay Batons: Repurpose and redecorate cardboard paper towel rolls to use as batons for relay races and games
• Cardboard Targets: Use large boxes to create targets for beanbag or ball toss games.
• DIY Obstacle Course Markers: Decorate old cans or bottles to serve as cones or boundary markers.
• Beanbags: Turn old (and clean) socks into beanbags by filling them with dried beans or rice and tying off the ends.

Sometimes, the best games require the least amount of equipment! By making the most of what’s on hand, we can all ensure every child has access to the benefits of play—no matter where we play.

The post Resourceful Play with Minimal Equipment appeared first on Playworks.

While a traditional outdoor recess space is ideal, reality often creates situations where play needs to be adapted to unconventional settings. Here are some practical tips to help you bring the joy and benefits of play to every space.

Embrace the Indoors

When recess moves indoors due to rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, it’s important to have a plan in place. Indoor recess can still be active, engaging, and fun—it just requires some planning and creativity. Here are a few tips:

1. Create Play Zones: Use tape, cones or other markers to designate areas for different activities, such as jump rope, circle games, or board games.
2. Simplify Equipment: Lightweight and versatile items like bean bags, foam balls, and scarves are great for indoor activities and minimize the risk of damaging furniture or walls.
3. Incorporate Movement: Even in smaller spaces, games like Dance Freeze, Silent Ball, Four Corners, or indoor obstacle courses can help kids burn off energy and stay active.

Looking for more indoor recess tips and games? Check out our indoor recess webinar.

Make Use of Unconventional Spaces

Not every school or community center has a large playground or gymnasium, and that’s okay. Hallways, classrooms, cafeterias, and even libraries can become spaces for play with a little ingenuity:

1. Hallways: Organize relay races, hopscotch, or jumping games. Use tape to create paths, tracks, or play grids.
2. Classrooms: Introduce low-impact games like charades, imagination adventures, or cooperative challenges that allow for creative expression and interaction.
3. Multipurpose Rooms: These spaces can accommodate group activities like circle games or team challenges, as long as furniture is moved aside.

Plan Ahead with a Playground Map

Mapping your play space—indoors or out—is an excellent way to prepare for adaptable play. A playground map outlines where specific games or activities will take place, helping kids transition smoothly and reducing confusion. This strategy works especially well in:

1. Shared Spaces: Coordinate with other teachers or staff to avoid overlaps and ensure everyone has plenty of room and opportunities to play.
2. Rotating Schedules: Rotate activities in small or confined spaces to keep things fresh and engaging.
3. Creative Layouts: Use maps to visualize how less traditional spaces can accommodate multiple play zones.

For more information on playground mapping, check out our Playground Mapping 101 webinar.

Get Kids Involved

Getting kids involved in the planning of recess is a great way to keep them engaged and build their sense of independence. Ask students for ideas about what games to play and how to adapt them to the available space. Not only will this boost their enthusiasm, but it also encourages problem-solving and creativity.

Build a Play Kit

Having a go-to play kit can make transitions to unconventional spaces easier. Stock it with versatile and portable items like:

• Hula hoops
• Jump ropes
• Foam balls or beanbags
• Cones

Outdoor Play in Challenging Weather

Even when outdoor conditions aren’t perfect, kids can still enjoy safe and fun play. Here’s how to make the most of rainy or snowy days:

1. Dress for Success: Encourage families to provide weather-appropriate clothing, and consider keeping spare items like gloves or ponchos on hand.
2. Modify Games: Adapt games to reduce slipping risks or ensure they can be played with minimal equipment. This could include slowing the pace of the game or shrinking the playable area to avoid snowy, icy, or wet areas.
3. Shorten Sessions: Allow for shorter bursts of outdoor activity if the weather is especially cold or wet.

Why Adaptability Matters

When play is prioritized—no matter the space—kids thrive. They’re more engaged, build stronger social skills, and develop resilience. By embracing unconventional spaces and getting creative with game adaptations, adults can ensure that play remains a central and joyful part of every child’s day.

With these strategies, you can turn any environment into a vibrant play space. Whether it’s a rainy day indoors or a transformed hallway, the power of play is always within reach.

The post Making Any Space a Playspace appeared first on Playworks.

Playing together is one of the ways we create strong connections with other people – at all ages. It is an effective way to build a more fair future for everyone. When we play, we are connecting, collaborating, cooperating, communicating, and solving problems.  

And yet, even in schools there are barriers that prevent some kids and adults from building positive relationships through play. For example:

Kids with differing abilities might not be included on the playground. Oftentimes school staff haven’t been equipped with the training, knowledge, or supporting resources to be able to address all of the needs of the individual students’ physical and cognitive skills to safely engage them in play. With training and resources on how to modify games and activities to keep kids safe and engaged, we can make sure everyone is included in the game.

Resource: Adapting Play for Varying Abilities blog

Language barriers can prevent communication, but when kids play together they’ll often model the behaviors to cheer each other on. A smile or high-five on the playground can make all of the difference to start forming meaningful connections.

Resource: Play at Home playbook in 7 languages

Kids with adverse childhood experiences are experiencing higher levels of stress, and as a result, their brains might be dysregulated and behavior issues may occur. Clear game rules, norms, and expectations–and the act of playing itself–can help with re-regulating the brain. Play can act as a protective factor to support mental well-being.

Resource: Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play

School staff have so many competing priorities and there is often turnover, but kids need to build trusting relationships. It is important for kids to have caring and consistent adults in their corner, both for their personal and academic development. In order for school staff to support students and model positive behaviors, they need to feel supported themselves. When school staff engage in play, they are building connections with the students and each other while also feeling joy from the act of playing itself.

Resource: Kaiser Permanente Supporting Teacher and Staff Wellbeing tip sheet

Chronic absenteeism puts a strain on relationships between kids and adults. By making school an inclusive, fun place that kids want to attend, they’re more likely to show up and have a higher academic motivation. Playing together and feeling included in games can make students feel supported in the school environment. 

Resource: Attendance Works Facebook post

Play has an important role in every school.

Although play experiences can look and feel different from one school to another, they all have benefits. These six simple Principles of Play are a great starting point to help ensure that the play experience is positive and inviting.

One day, every kid in America will benefit from playing every day–and every adult too. Schools are one critical part of children’s lives, and a great place to spark change. Join Playworks as we work to ensure positive play experiences are happening for all.

Check out games you can play today, visit our Game Library

Donate today to invest in our shared future. 

The post Building a Foundation for Change appeared first on Playworks.

When kids are given opportunities to explore a variety of activities, they can try on various roles, like positions in sports, develop new skills, and, most importantly, discover what sparks their joy.

The value of sports and play in all its forms has been at our core since our early days as Sports4Kids. Although our name has changed, our commitment to helping kids thrive through play and our appreciation for sports remains as strong as ever. 

What skills and passions can kids explore through play? Below are just a few of the countless benefits.

The Benefits of Competitive Sports and Sports Sampling

Trying different sports, or sports sampling, is an exciting part of childhood. At Playworks, we believe in giving kids the chance to sample a variety of sports, and allow them to decide what catches their interest, and what doesn’t. Research gathered by the Aspen Institute’s Project Plan suggests that sport sampling helps children develop physically and socially while reducing burnout and injury risks. The skills developed through sports—like motor skills and communication—are valuable not just for a specific sport, but for life.

Sports also offer ways to build confidence. By learning the basic skills and rules, children can feel empowered to participate in games and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with teamwork. 

Playworks hosts sports leagues and/or tournaments in some of our partner schools, balancing the need for kids to get the chance to try something new at a developmental level and giving them a chance for kids with a spirit of competition to lean into that nature. Scorekeeping can be a memorable and empowering experience for some kids. Whether it’s scoring a goal in soccer, making a basket in basketball, getting a home run in kickball, or even making a great assist that leads to a point, these moments are often the highlights of a game. It teaches kids about perseverance and teamwork and gives them a personal or team-wide sense of accomplishment. For others, challenging themselves to develop a skill or competing against a goal they set for themselves is what sparks their joy. By helping students develop an interest in a sport, they can develop their skills and get active in a way that works for them. For some kids, this might be the first time they’re participating on a team and for others it is tuning into their competitive spirits. 

At most recesses, kids play a mix of games which include sport-based games—some with scores and some without. 

Access for All: Making Games Welcoming and Fun

Access to games and play should be available to every child. Unfortunately, some barriers can prevent some kids from getting exposure and access to play opportunities. 

While role models like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese inspire girls to get involved in sports, there’s still a significant gap in participation along gender lines. According to the National Library of Medicine, only 59% of girls in urban elementary schools play organized sports compared to 80% of boys. Playworks is committed to closing this gap by creating inviting spaces where girls feel encouraged to play, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.

It is also important to work closely with schools or program staff to address barriers to play for children with varying ability levels. By modifying games and offering a range of options, we can make sure that all students can find an activity that excites them. Kids get to decide how they want to play, whether it’s sticking to a favorite game or trying something new.

Exploring Interests Through Play

Ultimately, giving children the freedom to sample different sports and games empowers them to explore their interests and take risks in a low stakes environment. Some might gravitate toward the competitive energy of soccer or basketball, while others might enjoy imaginative games like Museum Night Janitor or Ants on a Log. By offering a variety of competitive and cooperative play opportunities, we can allow kids to discover what they love, develop confidence in their abilities, and build friendships along the way.

At Playworks, we’re committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage in play, sample different sports, and challenge themselves. When kids have the freedom to explore, the playground becomes not just a place for fun but a space for growth.

So, let’s keep the games going and ensure that every child can play, grow, and thrive!

Looking for new games and sports to introduce at your next recess or playtime? 

Check out our Game Library for hundreds of game instructions, including modified versions of favorite sports. 

The post Why Kids Should Experience a Variety of Sports and Games appeared first on Playworks.

And then they partnered with Playworks. 

Lynn arrived for a Consultative Visit, a professional development service during which Playworks experts observe recess or playtime and utilize our years of expertise to build an action plan. These plans provide schools with strategies to implement to sustain a positive culture of play alongside a school or organization’s leadership and team. Lynn was eager to understand some of the school’s unique challenges, including how to make play possible for every student. “The teachers were thinking of options to involve that student. I was able to send the school ideas.” 

Across the country, kids with varying abilities are excluded from play at a higher rate than their peers. They risk missing out on the many benefits of play. Playworks is trying to change that. As the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid, we see how important it is to help provide some strategies and practices that can help get all kids into the game.

Lynn saw the impact this type of intentionality can make. The school implemented some of her ideas with the student’s buy-in. “When I went back to the school a few weeks later, I got to see that student playing,” said Lynn. “He had that entire experience transformed. We were able to build enough confidence and safeguards where we could build a space where all kids can play.” This student, teachers, and peers, all saw what a difference including this one boy could make in their school community.

Do you work with students? Here are some of Playworks’ best tips:

Questions to ask

In order to figure out how to modify the games, playspace, or norms to make play available for all kids, start by asking some critical questions about how recess is currently operating and what the goals are for the future:

• How are students on the playground interacting with students with varying abilities?
• How are adults outside at recess including students with special needs? (i.e. playing games with them, encouraging interactions with peers, etc.) 
• How is recess challenging for students with visible disabilities (physical disabilities) or invisible disabilities (autism, epilepsy, deaf or hard of hearing, etc.)? 
• What’s the most significant obstacle to students with varied abilities engaging in play?
• Who needs to buy in to trying new strategies that are aiming to include the child/children at the center of these decisions?

Be sure to include students in the process of designing solutions to support them. Be creative, flexible, curious, and respectful understanding their needs, challenges, hopes, and interests.

Building Solutions

How can your school make these changes? Watch Playworks’ webinar for specific tips and information. Here are some highlights:

Games and norms

Modify games and how you teach them: you can use the space and equipment you have to make play available for all kids the standard practice. “Keeping those modifications on the playground each and every single day can contribute to building the safe and welcoming recess environment,” explained Zoe Stevens, Playworks PRO Trainer. You can also modify the methods for teaching games, for example putting the instructions into short visual or auditory segments, using soft voices instead of yelling, using lighter and larger balls, tagging with objects instead of hands, etc. 

Shifting norms: Changing the environment, for example playing in smaller groups or designated areas, or teaching game rules in 1:1 settings can help ensure that students can learn and play games.

Identify the goals and the recess team. 

What role does everyone play? Here are some ideas: 

Leverage an individualized education plan/program (IEP):

Learn more

Learn more about consultative visits. Connect about our services

The post Adapting Play for Varying Abilities appeared first on Playworks.

Shared norms are important throughout the school day, from the classroom to the playground and even back at home. Without shared norms, even the simplest interactions can turn into disputes, and the joy of returning to school can quickly disappear.

Just as game rules create a fun and cooperative play environment, shared norms establish a stable and cohesive school community. As students return to school, establishing clear norms helps them understand expectations, fostering a sense of responsibility and mutual respect. For teachers, these norms provide a framework for creating a positive and productive classroom environment. For families, consistent norms across school and home life support children’s mental well-being, making the transition back to school smoother and more enjoyable.

What Are Norms?

Norms are the agreed-upon expectations that guide behavior in different settings. They help create a sense of predictability and security. On the playground, norms might include waiting in line before you jump into the foursquare game or returning play equipment to a central location when the bell rings. In the classroom, norms involve raising a hand to speak and listening quietly while others are talking. At home, norms might include cleaning up after oneself and using an “indoor voice” when playing in the house. 

Why Setting Norms Matters

Norms provide a framework that helps children understand what is expected of them and how to interact with others. Setting norms is about teaching children the importance of developing shared expectations and holding yourself and others accountable to them.

Norms and Emotional Regulation

Norms also play a crucial role in helping children with emotional regulation. 

“We really have to think about what’s going on inside the brains of kids,” said Will Massey, a researcher at Oregon State University who focuses on play and child development.

Kids who experience trauma often have a mental state that is more keyed up at baseline; instead of going from calm to alert when something unexpected happens, they are more likely to go from alert to terrified.

 “What we want to do, is to come up with strategies to help build environments to get kids to these more calm and alert states, so that not only can they learn new skills, but they can also use the skills they already have,” Massey shared. 

Creating consistent norms and expectations is one such strategy. When children know what to expect, they feel more secure and can better regulate their emotions and respond to triggers more healthily.

The Role of Play in Reinforcing Norms

Play is a powerful tool in helping children uphold norms. Through play, children learn to follow rules, take turns, and respect others. Games and activities that incorporate norm-setting can make this process fun and engaging. For example, playing cooperative games where success depends on everyone following the rules teaches children the value of collective responsibility and mutual respect.

As a result, recess and playtime can be an excellent starting point for establishing norms with your students. By taking time at the beginning of the school year to create a list of shared norms or agreements, and posting them somewhere visible, you can help students understand expectations in the classroom and beyond.

Positive Reinforcement: High Fives and Beyond

Positive reinforcement is crucial in encouraging children to adhere to norms. Simple gestures like high fives, verbal praise, and rewards can motivate children to follow guidelines and encourage their peers to do the same. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces positive behavior.

Download this free poster to help remind students and staff of positive phrases and gestures they can use during playtime. 

Benefits of Setting Norms

At School:

• Enhanced Learning Environment: Clear norms help create a predictable and supportive environment conducive to learning.
• Improved Social Skills: Children learn to interact respectfully and collaboratively, enhancing their social development.
• Increased Accountability: Children understand their responsibilities and hold each other accountable, leading to a more harmonious classroom.

At Home:

• Consistency and Routine: Norms help establish healthy routines, making children feel secure and reducing conflicts.
• Positive Behavior: Clear guidelines promote desirable behaviors, creating a more peaceful and cooperative household.
• Life Skills: Children develop essential life skills such as responsibility, respect, and cooperation.

How Playworks Can Help

At Playworks, we understand the significance of setting norms, especially during recess and playtime. Our team is dedicated to helping schools and community-based organizations establish and maintain norms that create a positive play environment on the playground for students and staff. 

By promoting positive behavior through play, we help schools build a culture of respect, responsibility, and inclusivity. These efforts not only enhance the playground experience but also translate into improved behavior and learning in the classroom.

Setting norms is a vital aspect of fostering a supportive and thriving environment for children. By integrating play and positive reinforcement, we can make the process enjoyable and effective. Together, we’re working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Connect with us to learn how to bring Playworks to your school!

The post The Power of Norms appeared first on Playworks.

SparkPlay is Playworks’ subscription-based, online resource that supports the continuous learning of play-based strategies for school and youth development staff.

Our vision is that one day every child in America will have access to fun and engaging play every day. Our school and community partners can attest to the power of play and Playworks, but Playworks can’t be everywhere.

Luckily, with the help of new tools like SparkPlay, our lessons can.

In our almost 30 years of experience, we have seen the value of adults actively engaging in play. While play is generally an activity initiated and led by kids, adults helping design opportunities for play in school and after school settings is correlated with feelings of youth engagement, empowerment, and safety. And adults can benefit from jumping in and playing too!

So in an effort to accomplish this vision, we are putting our evidence-based practices, practical tips, and fun game ideas into the hands of these engaged adults who are working with kids across the country.

Together, we can create better systems and opportunities for kids to play every day, in and out of school. 

SparkPlay can be used by school and youth development staff to learn how to improve recess, bring out the best in every kid through play, or simply to find sparks of new ideas to keep kids engaged and active. The platform can also be used to facilitate recess staff onboarding and provides real-time access to games and best practices.

Spark your learning with:

• Multiple guided learning paths
• Extensive collection of games
• Community/discussion space
• Curated weekly emails

The guided learning paths explore the foundations of Playworks best practices, and develop the skills and resources to support safe, healthy, and fun play for everyone. 

The three learning paths include: 

By opening up our playbook, and providing tips and tricks that are easily implemented, we can help more children experience the joy of play every day.

You can bring out the best in kids through play. It all starts with a spark.

Learn more

The post Introducing SparkPlay presented by Playworks appeared first on Playworks.

As the world’s best athletes get ready to compete in Paris, here are a few fun games to help bring the excitement and spirit of the Olympics to kids at camp, at community events, at the neighborhood park, and even at home. 

Opening Ceremonies

Kick off the games with these easy icebreaker activities to help get kids warmed up and ready to play.

Zip, Zap, Pop

“Zip, Zap, Pop” is a lively circle game perfect for developing concentration and peer interaction. In this game, players pass three actions around the circle in sequence: a “Zip” involves a hand gesture and is passed to a neighbor, a “Zap” follows similarly, and a “Pop” sends the action across the circle. If a player hesitates, they leave the circle and cheer on the others. This game encourages quick thinking and social engagement, making it a great choice for group play​. 

I Love My Neighbor

Players sit or stand in a circle, with one person in the center who starts the game by saying, “I love my neighbor, especially my neighbor who…,” followed by a characteristic that applies to them, such as “has a pet” or “likes to play basketball.” Everyone who shares that trait must find a new spot in the circle, while the person left without a spot takes the center position for the next round. This game helps players build connections by identifying shared interests and characteristics.

I See, I See

Players start by walking around the designated area in various fun ways, such as zombie walks or slow-motion walks. When the leader says, “I see, I see,” the players freeze and ask, “What do you see?” The leader then describes an action, like “I see a superhero flying in the sky,” which the players act out until the game continues with a new prompt. This game helps develop creativity, self-confidence, and spatial awareness while ensuring everyone can participate equally. 

Team & Relay Games

From swimming to track, the Olympics feature many relay-style events where athletes work cooperatively to reach a common goal. Add these relay games to your next play time for some team-based fun. 

Team Ball Race

Players are grouped into teams of four, with each team holding a ball between all of their backs while their arms are linked. The objective is to transport the ball to the finish line without dropping it, requiring coordination and communication among team members. This game is perfect for encouraging physical activity and fostering collaboration in a fun and dynamic way. 

Continuous Relay

Teams of 4-6 players take turns running back and forth between two cones, handing off a baton or similar object to the next runner. The objective is to keep the relay going without pauses or errors in the handoff, encouraging continuous movement and teamwork. This game can be varied by introducing different movement styles like skipping or crab walking, and adding simple obstacles for extra fun. 

Rock Paper Scissors Relay

Players form two lines (teams) and face each other. Starting on a signal, the first players move towards each other, engaging in rock paper scissors upon meeting. The winner advances in the same direction while the other team sends their next player. This process repeats until a player successfully crosses to the other side, rejoining their team while new players start again. 

Sports-Inspired Games

Soccer, basketball, and now even flag football are all a part of the Summer Olympic festivities. Here are some unique variations of common ball games. 

Three-Line Basketball

Participants form teams of three players each. One team starts with possession and aims to score while the opposing team defends. After each possession, teams rotate based on scoring or defensive outcomes, with players waiting in line cheering on their teammates. The goal is for a team to score first and continue playing until they win three consecutive games, earning applause before returning to the end of the line.

Interception

In this game, players take turns as quarterback, receiver, and defender in each round. The quarterback aims to throw the ball to the receiver, who tries to reach the end zone without being tagged by the defender. The roles rotate after each round based on outcomes such as catches, tags, or scoring, ensuring everyone gets a chance in each position. 

Knock Down Soccer

Players are divided into two groups with each group having a stack of cones on opposite sides of the play area. With two (or more) soccer balls in play, the goal is to use the balls to knock down the opposing team’s cones. After knocking down a cone, players retrieve it and line it up on their side of the field. The game concludes when one team successfully moves all the cones to their side, with multiple balls ensuring active participation throughout.

Multi-Ball

Divide players into infield and outfield teams on a kickball field. Each kicker can kick a kickball, punt a football, or throw a frisbee, then run around the bases continuously while outfielders retrieve and place the equipment at designated bases. The goal is to place the equipment correctly before the runner reaches home base. This game helps develop teamwork, understanding of a kickball field’s structure, and the importance of playing assigned positions in a team sport.​

Solo & Small Group Games

For kids who enjoy small group activities, these games are perfect for staying engaged and developing physical and social skills.

Popcorn

Each player throws a ball or object into the air and tries to clap as many times as possible before catching it. This game can be played individually or in groups, and it can be modified by using different objects or adding challenges​. 

Wallball

Players take turns hitting a ball against a wall, allowing it to bounce once on the ground before reaching the wall and once again before being returned by the next player. The game continues until a player hits the ball out of bounds or does not allow for the correct number of bounces. This game can be played with two players, a small rotating group, or even individually. 

Red Light, Green Light

Players start at the starting line and move towards the finish line when “Green Light” is called. When “Red Light” is called, they must stop immediately; if they move, they return to the start. The game ends when most players reach the finish line, and variations can include different movements for additional colors​. Learn to play

Olympic Games are not complete without celebrating the achievements of the athletes’s accomplishments. Download and print this certificate to award to your at-home Olympians and enjoy all of the fun and excitement of the 2024 games! 

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