Transforming Play, One School at a Time

Have you ever played the octopus game? The rules are simple. One player wears a plastic hoop with pool noodles around their waist and becomes the “octopus.” The octopus tries to tag others using the pool noodles. Tagged players walk like crabs until they receive a high-five from another crab. Once high-fived, they may rejoin the game.
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Following an afternoon visit to Humboldt Park Public School, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of activities to participate in during recess. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, four square or this creative octopus game, Playworks staff members ensure that recess is a time reserved for safe physical activity, socialization, laughter, and most importantly: play. 

​Playworks Wisconsin: An Overview
Playworks was founded in 1996 in Oakland, California and expanded its operations to Wisconsin in 2012. The nonprofit organization seeks to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Originally focused on serving seven Wisconsin elementary schools, Playworks’ mission has expanded to 64 Wisconsin elementary schools, transforming recess for 23,300 students.

PJ Dever, Executive Director of Playworks Wisconsin, focuses on the development of Wisconsin’s program and staff. He has over ten years of experience with the organization and his passion for his work is most evident in his participation on the playground.

The combination of children’s playful shouts and laughter is what Dever referred to as “the best sound in the world,” during a round of the octopus game at Humboldt Park Public School.

A Model That Supports the Mission
Playworks Wisconsin utilizes site coordinators, junior coaches and educators to foster a safe, fun and inclusive experience for all students.

Site coordinators, commonly referred to as coaches, set up and facilitate recess activities. Additionally, these coaches train groups of 4th-8th graders to become junior coaches through the Junior Coach Leadership Program. Junior coaches strengthen their skills in leadership, teamwork and conflict resolution, allowing them to serve as positive role models for younger students during recess activities.
“Recess is safer with the student leaders because they are being led by a peer and someone that they can relate to,” said a Wisconsin teacher.

School educators also learn how to incorporate fun into the classroom as a means for increased student engagement.

Krystin Taylor, a Playworks Coach at Humboldt Park Public School, shared that before joining Playworks she was a school recess staff member. It was a Playworks Coach at her school that sparked her desire to become more involved with the organization.

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Leaving a Mark
Proof of Playworks’ success is in the numbers. According to 2022-2023 Annual Survey results, 93% of educators agree that Playworks helps create an environment of belonging and 92% of educators agree that this organization has helped students develop the skills to succeed in the learning community.
“I have had the fewest recess conflicts to resolve in my classroom than any other year (16 years of teaching!),” said a Wisconsin teacher.

A controlled trial evaluation also points towards this success. Compared to average ratings, schools partnered with Playworks report that there is 43% less bullying behavior during recess. Teachers at these schools rate student safety 20% higher than the average.

Join the Fun
Playworks Wisconsin is looking for others to help expand the organization’s vision and create opportunities for play in the state of Wisconsin. Individuals and large corporations alike have opportunities to get involved. Learn more here!
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