Findings from an Experimental Evaluation of Playworks: Effects on Play, Physical Activity, and Recess

Findings from an Experimental Evaluation of Playworks: Effects on Play, Physical Activity, and Recess

Published: May 30, 2013
Publisher: Princeton, NJ: Mathematica Policy Research and Stanford, CA: John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, Stanford University
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Associated Project

Playworks: Student and School Outcomes

Time frame: 2010-2014

Prepared for:

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Authors

Nicholas Beyler

Rebecca A. London

Lisa Westrich

Katie Stokes-Guinan

Sebastian Castrechini

Recess periods often lack the structure needed to support physical activity and positive social development (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2010). The Playworks program places full-time coaches in low-income schools to provide opportunities for organized play during recess and throughout the school day. Playworks activities are designed to engage students in physical activity, foster social skills related to cooperation and conflict resolution, improve students’ ability to focus on class work, decrease behavioral problems and improve school climate.

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