Our Give Back program has allowed us to work with incredible, local organizations. Right now, when you purchase the Give Back Blend, you can join us in supporting Playworks AZ. They’re a nonprofit dedicated to transforming children’s social and emotional wellbeing through the power of play. With the help of the Playworks AZ team, kids in Arizona experience healthy play in school and in the community, building valuable skills they can carry with them for life.
At a Glance: Playworks Program
“In Arizona we use a variety of services to best support each organization that we partner with,” said Development Manager Aubrey Watkins. “Our direct service model, TeamUp, provides low-income schools with youth development experts who teach games and foster play and a positive school environment. Playworks PRO programming offers professional development teachings of our techniques and approach and digital services amplify those efforts!”
Additionally, Playworks partnerships come from referrals, existing relationships, and inquiries. The organization offers a wide range of programming that can be customized to fit each partners’ unique needs and overall goals.
The Origins of Playworks AZ
Playworks was founded in Oakland, CA in 1995 by Jill Vialet. She was inspired by a principal’s daily conflict with certain students.
“‘These weren’t bad kids’, the principal insisted. ‘They just were using their powers unwisely on the playground’”, Watkins said. “Meanwhile, her teachers looked for any excuse—sometimes literally hiding—to avoid recess so they wouldn’t have to confront the inevitable outbreak of chaos. Jill Vialet took that principal seriously, and Playworks was born.”
Today, recess on their playgrounds is much more enjoyable. It’s focused around friendship, problem solving, and instilling confidence in students each day.
The Importance of Healthy Play
“Recess and play can be a forgotten space of learning and social value,” Watkins said. “As the need to keep up with academics is a continual demand for school teachers. We want kids and staff to know that play is important! Studies show that brain breaks, healthy spaces to play and release energy, and the ability for students to connect with adults on campus in a playful and engaging way are all part of supporting a student’s school experience and success. We support schools by prioritizing play and helping to develop sustainable tools and systems for students to engage in safe and healthy play every day.”
A Success Story
The Playworks team loves sharing a success story about May, a sixth-grader who often found herself in conflicts during recess. Playworks’ Coach Bri observed that May’s behavior stemmed from a lack of social skills and self-assuredness. Instead of punishing her, Coach Bri recruited May as her recess helper, and made it her responsibility to ensure everyone had fun. This simple role inspired leadership in May, which in turn improved her behavior in the classroom, and placed her on a better, more productive trajectory.
“The impact on her relationships rippled beyond the confines of recess,” Watkins said. “Teachers marveled at the positive shift in May’s behavior within the classroom and she started to flourish during instructional time. May’s journey from a disruptor to a positive force within the school was undeniable.”
It’s Playworks’ goal to support schools valley-wide and increase their presence across the state.
Get Involved
“We serve the whole state of Arizona and would love to continue to partner with communities to implement safe and healthy play no matter where you are geographically,” Watkins said.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Playworks AZ, please reach out to Aubrey Watkins at aubrey.watkins@playworks.org for the scoop on all the opportunities!
