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Playworks is the leading nonprofit leveraging the power of play to support and improve children’s physical and emotional health. Focusing on recess, Playworks programs provide an opportunity for every student to learn collaboration, teamwork, respect, and inclusion – all through safe, fun, healthy play at school every day.

In this fabulous TED Talk, Playworks CEO & Founder Jill Vialet shares, “Play matters because it gives us a brief respite from the tyranny of apparent purpose.” If you believe play is necessary to develop the full potential of our society, share this on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Playworks’ 2013 Most Valuable Principal, Mr. Adam Parrott-Sheffer, hails from Chicago’s Mary .J. Peterson Elementary School. Mr. P, as everyone calls him, cares so much about play that he’s made sure there is an adult playing in every game at recess – whether it’s a teacher or a parent. Mr. P has also been a powerful leader…

Playworks’ Rookie of the Year, Jon Gibbs, serves at Bennet-Kew Elementary School in Ingleside, California. He exemplifies service and the power of play. Coach Jon has been a standout, both at the school and in the larger community. He takes being a coach to a whole new level. In addition to putting his artistic talents…

Jill Vialet offers a unique approach to recess at hundreds of California elementary schools that improves student learning and behavior, and reduces bullying. For building a school movement focused on play as a way to improve children’s well-being and academic achievement, Jill Vialet is a recipient of a 2013 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. Learn…

On our playgrounds, everyone plays, everyone belongs and everyone contributes to the game. We create a place for every kid on the playground to be their best, bring out the best in others, and find their place in the world.

Playworks’ Rookie of the Year hail’s from Montezuma Elementary in Albuquerque. Amanda Padilla combines her background in Special Education with her love of coaching to create a healthy, inclusive environment for every student every day at  “I believe that everyone has an ability to play,” she says. “The kids just need one person to come and show them that…