Improve Outcomes for Pacific NW Kids through Play

We live in extraordinary times. We struggle to make sense of the catastrophes, threats, and conflicts we see at a distance and up close. Sometimes, we even forget that we have a real capacity to impact what happens in our own communities.

Do you notice, as we have at Playworks, how uncertainties and divisions take their toll on our youngest citizens? Do you wonder how much they absorb? We may not be able to stop natural disasters or political strife, but we can most certainly do something for the children.

Together, we can make sure all children know what it feels like to be part of a healthy, caring community—at school, every day.

You know a healthy community when you see it. It’s a place where children absorb the lessons that matter most: that we can achieve more together; that kindness makes hard times less scary; that everyone belongs. Those lessons help classroom lessons stick, because feeling safe and feeling needed make it easier to learn.

That’s the kind of community Playworks creates in elementary schools, starting with recess.

New research suggests that the relationships we build between students and adults on the playground are a “preventative factor,” buffering children against adverse experiences.

For 21 years, Playworks has used traditional recess games, simple conflict resolution tools, and the joy of physical activity to make the most of kids’ limited recess time at school. On our playgrounds, kids invite each other to join in. They resolve their own conflicts by playing rock, paper, scissors. When we play, everyone is welcome.

Perhaps the playground is not the first place you might look for solutions to our nation’s challenges.

Yet if you walk out to recess at any Playworks school right now, one solution would be obvious: we need each other. Even in a game of tag or foursquare, kids need each other to keep the game going; fighting just gets in the way. In the same way, we all need each other to address the challenges facing our nation.

Play brings people together to learn how to give and receive help. It teaches kids and adults the importance of listening to each other and being heard. These are lessons we all need to learn.

Moreover, moments of play at school are precisely how we must take care of children at this tumultuous time.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, together we are bringing healthy play to 150 schools and reaching more than 70,000 students this school year.

That’s 70,000 future adults strengthening their communities, and it starts with play. Your support makes this possible.

As you look toward the end of 2017, please consider making a gift to Playworks Pacific Northwest and joining our community of supporters.

Thank you for investing in play, in our kids, and in our country.

Links:

• Overcoming challenges in creating an inclusive school community