Playworks - Silicon Valley

We create a place FOR EVERY KID on playgrounds across Northern California — where every kid belongs, has fun and is part of the game.

In 1995, Jill Vialet got an earful from a principal she was visiting in Oakland, California. Rather than recess being a happy and playful time for the kids, it had somehow turned into the most chaotic time of the day, the time when kids were getting hurt, getting into trouble or getting left out. It was different than Jill remembered. In that moment Jill saw an opportunity to change recess, make it a positive and productive time for all kids. In 1996, Playworks was born.

Principals tell us that just about all discipline-related problems in school occur during lunch and recess. Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn, the kids return to class upset and unable to focus.

We can change this. Recess should be fun and energetic and safe and inclusive for everyone. Isn’t this what we want for all kids in elementary school today?

When recess becomes a healthy part of the school day, kids carry that positive experience with them into their classrooms, back to their neighborhoods, out into the world.

On our playgrounds, everyone plays, everyone belongs, everyone contributes to the game. Coaches encourage kids to bring out the best in themselves and each other, and kids learn the value of fair play, compassion and respect.

On our playgrounds, kids become leaders. They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly – (rock-paper-scissors is our secret problem solver) – because getting along is more fun than fighting.

On our playgrounds, kids play hard, cheer loud and high five until their hands sting, and it’s this feeling of peace and belonging that they carry with them into their classrooms, back to their neighborhoods, out into the world.