Playworks Southern California

Throwback Thursday to 2017 SoCal Junior Coach Retreat and remembering these great memories at Playworks. Though today we are practicing social distancing and COVID safe games, we are lucky to still be able to empower Junior Coaches. They are the leaders of safe and healthy play on the playground, and also transfer their skills to be contributing members of society within their neighborhoods and communities.

Congratulations to Playworks Southern California's very own Jessica Cornejo on winning one of Laker's Educators of the Month awards! This is a well deserved win as Jess is currently piloting a self-exploration series she has developed as she empowers school communities to address equity gaps and have meaningful discussion that center the student voice and needs of those most impacted. We are so proud of you Jess!

Coach Jane, an expert in fun at Virginia Road Elementary in Los Angeles, has found an incentive, fun and safe way for kids to play Duck Duck Goose together. We know that kids value recess as a critical part of a routine school day, and play builds serious skills. Although the CDC and most states haven’t specifically addressed recess in school reopening guidelines, Playworks is here to help provide COVID-safe ways for kids to Learn more in this letter from Playworks CEO Eliza...beth Cushing- link in bio #importanceofplay #recess #safereturn #safereturntoplay #safe #healthy #play #safeandhealthyplay #playworks #powerofplay #education #makingadifference #returningtoschool #californialove #expertsinfun #socialandemotionallearning #childrenmatter #lausd #losangeles #socal #playworksforeverykid #love #fun #playmatters #covidsafe #25yearsofplay #reopening

As part of the 2021 National Social and Emotional Learning Virtual Conference: SEL and Equity Creating Community Plenary Speaker and Playworks President, Elizabeth Cushing invited SoCal's Program Director, Luciano Mondolo to interview Principal Estrada of Lennox Unified. Mr. Estrada shared the impact of our program; how it has supported attendance and a reduction is office referrals from the playground. Thank you Mr. Estrada and #SELCONF2021 for partnering with us to show...case this important work. #SELCONF2021 #highqualitylearning #SEL #SELleaders #nationalleaders #educationprofessionas #principals #lennoxunified #inspiration #socialandemotionallearning #schools #organizations #importanceofplay #safeandhealthyplay #playworks #powerofplay #education #makingadifference #returningtoschool #californialove #expertsinfun #childrenmatter #playworksforeverykid #love #fun #playmatters

Throwback to this fun memory from 2014 league nights at Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary in LAUSD. We are looking forward to future moments like this and opportunities for safe and healthy return to play. Have you shook your Playworks spirit out today? #throwbackthursday #safereturn #safereturntoplay #safe #healthy #play #safeandhealthyplay #playworks #powerofplay #education #makingadifference #returningtoschool #californialove #expertsinfun #socialandemotionallearning #childrenmatter #2014 #playworksforeverykid #love #fun #playmatters

We’re hiring for the 2021-22 school year! Impact our community and help kids transform their physical, social, and emotional health. During this service year, Playworks AmeriCorps Members will facilitate recess programs, lead class game times, manage peer leadership programs, and more. Learn more and apply by clicking the link in our bio. #powerofplay #hiring #jobsineducation #nonprofitjobs #newgrad #career #education #makeadifference #childrenmatter #expertsinplay #californialove #californiadreams #socaljobs #ineedajob #getmoving #helpinghands #service #Americorps #playworks #safeandhealthyplay #returningtoschool #socialandemotionallearning #playworksforeverykid

Big shout out to all of our students and staff who made PLAY a priority in the midst of all of this year’s challenges. Thank you for doing your very best and for always being ready to play! THIS VIDEO IS FOR YOU! We hope that it encourages you and reminds you how much we appreciate you! We can’t wait to see you back on the virtual playground in 2021!

In our experience, the benefits of play for children include physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. How can parents and educators support opportunities for children to play, when so many of their activities are restricted by COVID-19? We need to start by understanding playwhat it is and why it matters. If we do that, then we can intentionally create new ways to play that we might not have even imagined before the pandemic. Read more in this recent article by Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu//how_to_find_a_place_for_

When kids are given the opportunity to learn through play, they benefit by experiencing joy and developing critical life skills. Play is a safe way for kids to try new things, develop resilience, and find their voices. And life skills learned on the playground help kids in the classroom, and beyond. You can help kids like Miriam become confident this #GivingTuesday. Donate now and double your impact thanks to a matching gift from the Playworks National Board of Directors. #Pl...ayworksforEveryone #powerofplay https://donate.playworks.org//playworks-end-of-yea/c307686

When Miriam was in 2nd grade, she looked up to Playworks Junior Coaches in their purple shirts as they led other kids in games. She wanted to feel that level of confidence. So when it came time, she jumped at the chance to become a Junior Coach. I’ve become more confident while leading cheers and leading games, shared Miriam. I’ve made a lot more friends with Playworks and even outside of recess. I’ve found it a lot easier to ask even a kid I didn’t know if I wanted to pl...ay. It’s so much nicer when everybody’s playing together. Help kids like Miriam become confident. Donate now. #GivingTuesday #PlayworksforEveryone #powerofplay https://donate.playworks.org//playworks-end-of-yea/c307686

Start your day with the power of play and tune in to KQED Forum today at 10am PST to hear from Playworks AmeriCorps Coach turned CA Vice President of Operations, Michelle Serrano!

Kids need to play, and Playworks has been working alongside our beautiful school communities to inspire kids to play in new ways this year. As we kick off our #WeekOfThanks join us in thanking our fearless school staff, educators and administrators at Playworks' Coach and TeamUp partner schools that support over 13,000+ students as they experience safe and healthy play at a time when it is needed most! #PlayworksforEveryone #PowerofPlay