Playworks New England

Junior Coaches are 4th and 5th grade students who step up to run games, teach the rules, resolve conflict, and make sure nobody feels left out at recess. They learn to lead a group, build community, and speak up for others. These are skills that follow them back into the classroom and beyond. Hige five to all of our Junior Coaches!

All you need is some basic equipment and your imagination to turn any backyard or blacktop into a summer playspace.

Swipe for the how-to on each one!

Becoming a champion starts with being a good teammate.

To become a good teammate, kids need play opportunities that foster conflict resolution, responsibility, and joy through supporting others.

At Playworks, we see fourth graders organizing games for their classmates.

We see second graders learning how to include others.

We see kindergarteners running with joy, encouraged by older students who just a year ago were learning the ropes themselves.

Each of these moments reinforces the idea that being a good teammate matters.

Want an A in recess this year?! We’ve got Back to School deals for you! DM 💌 or email 📧 us for more information! 🛝⛹️‍♀️⚽️🏈

Confidence is built over time, through repetition, encouragement, and small wins.

And often, it’s found when someone believes in you enough to let you lead a game or call others over to play, even before you think you’re ready.

Every day, Playworkers (that’s what we call ourselves) create the conditions that help kids build confidence and see themselves as leaders.

Bring a little World Cup energy to your playground, classroom, after-school program, or backyard with fun games inspired by the classic ⚽️

Learn more at playworks.org/soccer!

More than a game, soccer is full of incredible stories, records, and moments that inspire young players around the world. ⚽️ 🌍

Put your World Cup knowledge to the test with these fun trivia questions and share with the young sports fans in your life!

What does it take to become a champion?

At recess, we use play to give kids the chance to lead, support others, and find joy through play.

Through play, kids can learn to take turns and offer each other encouragement.

With trust, they try new things and stick things out even when it’s hard.

Given the chance to lead, they learn to believe in themselves and are more likely to look out for others.

At Playworks, we believe the making of a champion starts on the playground.

Principals love Playworks because less conflict at recess means more learning in the classroom!