Play is an essential component of a child’s social, emotional, physical, and academic development. Through its partnership with Playworks, Benjamin Franklin School provides students with safe, inclusive, and engaging opportunities for meaningful play that foster positive relationships, leadership, teamwork, and overall well-being. The program helps create a positive school culture where students feel connected, respected, and empowered to develop the skills necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Playworks is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Playworks Wisconsin partners with schools throughout the Greater Milwaukee area to create positive school climates where every child feels included, respected, and engaged.
What Playworks Provides
The Playworks program helps students develop important life skills through structured recess activities, organized games, leadership opportunities, and conflict-resolution strategies. Students learn how to cooperate with others, communicate effectively, solve problems peacefully, and demonstrate sportsmanship while participating in fun and engaging activities. Playworks creates an environment where all students feel welcome and have opportunities to be active and successful.
Student Leadership Opportunities
One of the unique features of Playworks is its emphasis on student leadership. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles by helping organize games, modeling positive behavior, supporting younger students, and assisting peers in resolving conflicts respectfully. These experiences help students build confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and leadership abilities that extend beyond the playground.
Building Social and Emotional Skills
Playworks supports Benjamin Franklin School’s commitment to social-emotional learning by helping students develop:
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Respect for others
- Conflict resolution skills
- Leadership and responsibility
- Positive peer relationships
- Self-confidence and resilience
- Inclusion and empathy
Students learn practical strategies for resolving disagreements peacefully and building healthy relationships with their peers, contributing to a positive and supportive school culture.
Physical Activity and Student Wellness
Regular physical activity is essential to student health and academic success. Through Playworks, students participate in engaging games and activities that encourage movement, fitness, and healthy habits. Research shows that students who are active during recess are more focused, engaged, and prepared for learning when they return to the classroom. Playworks helps maximize active play opportunities while promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Benefits for Benjamin Franklin Students
Students who participate in Playworks experience:
- Increased physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
- Improved behavior and conflict-resolution skills.
- Greater student engagement and school connectedness.
- Stronger leadership and teamwork abilities.
- Enhanced social-emotional development.
- Increased readiness to learn and participate in classroom instruction.
- A safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable school environment.
At Benjamin Franklin School, the Playworks Program supports our mission of educating the whole child by creating opportunities for students to grow as leaders, problem-solvers, teammates, and lifelong learners. Through the power of play, we help students build the skills and relationships necessary for success both in school and beyond.