What is playwork?

Playwork is an approach to working with children that removes their barriers to play. Trained playworkers support all kinds of play through active engagement and awareness. They assess the benefits and risks involved in the play on physical, social and emotional levels. They do not interrupt, offer unsolicited advice and suggestions, or break the flow of play.

Children are invited to direct their own play and have the opportunity to be creative and imaginative with the support of our caring playworkers. Children can build and destroy structures, use tools, interact with nature, dress up, while taking physical, social and emotional risks that develop their confidence, skills and independence.

The role of the playworker is to interact with the children when invited or needed for guidance or support. They also actively maintain the playground, making sure it is stocked with exciting loose parts and organizing it to be interesting and maneuverable for children. The playworkers also continuously inspect the space to make sure that kids have risks and challenges to face if they wish, but no hazards that will surprise them. Playworkers observe the children and when they see a need for help or redirection, they intervene as subtly as possible in order to keep the play flowing. This might look like placing a soon-to-be needed tool near the child who can then miraculously find what they need, or challenging a kid to hit a target with sticks that is away from other children who were close to the original target. Playworkers also challenge social norms when the children get to see a woman working with tools or an adult happy to be bossed around by a 5 year old.

RESOURCES

RECENT covERagE about PLAY AND ITS BENEFITS

Play encompasses problem-solving, investigation, creativity, movement, collaboration, imagination, conflict-resolution, and so much more. Its benefits on mental health, physical health, and children’s learning, are well-documented. Adventure play can also help cities build a greener future. Learn more via FastCompany, New York Magazine, New York Public Library, The Guardian, Social Life Project, The Economist, Financial Times, StreetsBlog, Vox, PlayRights Magazine, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and NPR (click on image to access article).