Treeswing, a local nonprofit organization focused on helping children develop lifelong healthy habits through innovative programs and partnerships, is bringing Playworks Recess 360 to four elementary schools in the Puget Sound area: Roxhill and Dunlap Elementary Schools (Seattle Public Schools) and White Center Heights and Beverly Park Elementary Schools (Highline Public Schools).
Playworks Recess 360 is a year-long program designed to energize the recess yard in a structured and inclusive way that will engage students. Recess 360 addresses concerns that the chaos of recess results in fights, bullying and many children choosing not to participate. Play is essential to the development of children and is also the single most effective strategy for increasing physical activity (and combating obesity) among kids.
The program has been facilitated in more than 200 low-income schools nationwide, and this is the first time it will be in the Puget Sound area. During the course of the academic year, Playworks staff provides a series of content specific workshops followed by technical assistance. The approach also provides recess coaches with ongoing individualized support to enable successful integration of the strategies and techniques introduced through training.
Treeswing will be raising funds for these schools throughout the summer and fall with the hope to expand the program in King County school districts in the coming years. Visit www.treeswing.org or www.playworks.org for more information.
