Impact

Playworks’ evidence-based services make a difference in our community.

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Playworks brings out the best in every kid, through play. 

We build a culture of play that enables kids to feel a real sense of belonging. Partnering with teachers, principals, and parents, we make sure kids have the opportunity to contribute on the playground, in the classroom, and in our community. A randomized control trial found that compared to students at similar schools, Playworks students were more physically active and teachers reported that students had greater feelings of school safety and less bullying behavior. Learn more about our impact. 

I believe that Playworks has made the school a better place by providing students a safe outlet to play and allowing them to come together through play.

Playworks Teacher

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November 16, 2021

10th Anniversary Spotlight: Alumni Coach Patrice Whitfield ›

Patrice Whitfield embodies a Playworker. Now a member of the Illinois Playmakers Board, Patrice continues building upon her legacy of service. We invite you to join us and celebrate Playworks Illinois’ 10th anniversary by reading her story. Patrice, who found…

November 13, 2018

Less Time Arguing, More Time Playing ›

Junior Coach Nyyon is a ro-sham-bo rockstar! Anytime a conflict comes up, particularly during games like foursquare and switch, she is quick to step in and remind students to use ro-sham-bo to resolve the problem and get back to playing.…

May 25, 2017

Healthy Chicago 2.0 and Playworks deepen impact in schools ›

Healthy Chicago 2.0, launched by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Public Health, serves as the start of a new movement dedicated to making Chicago a connected, vibrant, and healthy city for all residents. Playworks partnered with Healthy Chicago 2.0 because…

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