National Expansion of Playworks: A Program that Promotes Physical Activity and Play at Schools -- 2008-12
Description:
Playworks is re-engineering recess time enabling children in low-income elementary and middle schools to participate in structured play opportunities that transform the students, the classroom, the playground, and the school. The Playworks model is designed to maximize the use of recess time each school day to provide an opportunity for physical activity for every child, while also building social, leadership and conflict resolution skills. Specially trained coaches manage the sports activities, equipment and coordinate activities with school staff. Playworks innovative approach is yielding extra-ordinary results that are having a rippling effect. Students love it as they learn the rules of play, engage in sports, and participate with pride and accomplishment; teachers acknowledge fewer classroom interruptions and an environment more conducive to learning; principals and school nurses are no longer confronting recess as a time for trouble, chaos and suspensions; and playgrounds, in many poor urban neighborhoods, are being transformed from an unsafe to a healthier environment, one buzzing with a mix of games from jump rope, tag, kickball and tools like rock, paper, scissors to engage children in exercise, joyful fun, and learning. The Playworks model is practical, sensible and reasonably priced. Schools contribute $23,000 towards a budget of $55,000 each year. Expansion of this program to schools in poor urban neighborhoods across the nation is intended to transcend the social factors - poverty, increased rates of obesity, poor nutrition, neglect, and violence - and provide a pathway to positive health and wellbeing outcomes for America's low-income children.
Address:
Sports4Kids
517 Fourth Street
Oakland, CA 94607-3533
Contact Information:
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Program Staff |
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RWJF Staff |