Elementary Playworks – Canyons School District

Playworks provides safe and healthy play for every student

Playworks is a program that supports building a positive school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day.

PE/Playworks Brain Booster

We strive to nurture physically literate individuals who embrace physical fitness as an integral part of their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Students will develop their physical competence of motor skills and knowledge & behaviors for active living. Utah Core Standards for PE drive the curriculum while balancing cooperative and competitive activities that promote life skills.

Recess

Recess provides a time to rest, play, imagine, think, move and socialize. In Canyons, we prioritize the physical, social and emotional well-being of each student, fostering a love for play and discovery that lasts a lifetime. When students engage in a Playworks recess, they are more physical active and report increased levels of safety. Teachers report less bullying and more valuable, educational time gained transitioning back into the classroom. After recess, students are more attentive and better able to perform cognitively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Junior Coach Program?

The Junior Coach Program is a leadership opportunity for 4th and 5th(varies between schools) students to develop and showcase their leadership skills outside at recess.

After applying to the program, students will be selected by teachers, administrators and their Junior Coach Leader to participate in a year-long program, developing leadership skills such as conflict-resolution and leading games with their younger peers at recess.

How can I improve my grade-level recess?

Get engaged with your students! Before students go outside to recess, check in with them on which games they can play. If you are out on duty, cheer on students or give high-fives when they showcase positive behaviors towards each other. When it’s time to go inside, do a quick attention getter or cheer to cool them down. Want to learn more? Reach out to Meredith Dolny at meredith.dolny@canyonsdistrict.org.

Why should I let my students play games on an Indoor Recess day?

Students of all ages spend lots of time sitting during the day. They need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity and a rainy day shouldn’t impact that. Many educators dread “Inside Days”–so let’s try something new! Allow students to play games that incorporate movement and social interactions so when that bell rings, they’ve got their wiggles and chats out of their system.

Need ideas for games? Check out the “Indoor Recess Guide: Classroom Edition” and reach out to Meredith Dolny for more support.