Nikki - Playworks - Blog 2

I did not really explain in my first blog post what Playworks actually did. Playworks strives to administer structured play including recess to many schools around Denver and other parts of the United States. When we volunteer we are playing with children and giving them structure while we play. We were told not to tell the children they were “out” or they “lost” but we simply told them to stand in the recycle line so they can just hop back in and not feel bad. Playworks also emphasized high fives and positive interactions. So now that this explanation is out of the way I will tell you about day two. We went to the same school, Altura, that we did the first day. Today was very different than the first day at this school. We were not able to go outside because it had been snowing. This caused the kids to be a little bit more rambunctious. Overall we kept the kids busy during recess and tried to keep it as structured as possible while playing in the classroom. The thing I noticed today was how there was a shortage on teachers. The teachers were working very hard to keep children under control but there just were not enough of them for every classroom during recess. I am not exactly sure on why there is a shortage of teachers but this is becoming a problem at many schools I have heard.

Overall, today was a very good day. I feel like I got to connect with the children on a deeper level. We even got to eat lunch with them. I noticed that the children absorb everything you say. They remind me on giant sponges. This is why it is so important to watch what you say and do in front of the children because they will surely remember it. I can’t wait for the rest of my week and to visit a few more schools!!