Unlocking the Power of Play with Elizabeth Cushing of Playworks
In this episode, Matt sits down with Elizabeth Cushing, President and CEO of Playworks, to explore how structured play can transform education, build essential life skills, and create more positive school environments.
Elizabeth Cushing has spent 20 years at Playworks, serving as CEO since 2020. With a background in mission-based work focused on children and women, Elizabeth has helped grow Playworks from a Bay Area organization to a national force for change in elementary education, partnering with schools nationwide to harness the power of play for student development.
The Transformative Power of Play
Playworks believes in the fundamental power of play to "bring out the best in every kid." Through partnerships with elementary and K-8 schools, they create conditions where play becomes a vehicle for learning, development, and joy. Their approach includes simple but effective practices like using rock-paper-scissors to resolve playground conflicts—a technique that often spreads organically to classrooms and cafeterias, making the whole school day run more smoothly.
"Every kid deserves to play," Elizabeth emphasizes, noting that play is not just about physical activity—it's how children learn to relate to each other, find joy, and develop crucial life skills. The organization's practices include ensuring everyone is welcome in every game and encouraging adults to participate, which signals the importance of play while modeling positive behaviors around winning, losing, and disappointment.
Creating Conditions for Learning
Playworks operates through two main models: placing staff directly in schools to help establish play-based practices, and training school staff nationwide to implement their methods. They've even developed a measurement tool called the Great Recess Framework to help schools assess and improve their recess quality.
"High-quality recess correlates to all sorts of outcomes we all want for our kids," Elizabeth explains. "They have executive functioning skills. They are resilient. They can work as a team. All of those things that we, as adults, want our coworkers and our representatives in Congress to have, these kids are learning on the playground."
Breaking Down Barriers
The organization faces ongoing challenges in convincing stakeholders that play is more than just a "nice to have" feature of education. Operating on a model of 70% earned income from school fees and 30% philanthropic support, Playworks continually works to demonstrate the vital role of play in child development.
Their approach to overcoming skepticism is multi-faceted:
Sharing validation from principals, teachers, students, and families
Presenting data on improved outcomes, including reduced chronic absenteeism
Offering school visits to witness their impact firsthand
"Pretty hard to leave a Playworks playground and not be convinced," Elizabeth notes.
The Culture of Play
Interestingly, Playworks doesn't just promote play for children—the team embraces it within their own organization. Staff members participate in the same games they teach, using play to build relationships and break down hierarchical barriers. This approach creates a unique organizational culture that reflects their mission.
"I get so much joy from playing because it feels in my cells like that's what I'm supposed to be doing," Elizabeth shares. "In a world where everything happening out in the world feels winner takes all... that's just not how human beings were designed."
For those interested in bringing more structured play into their schools or organizations, Playworks offers free resources through its website, which includes a comprehensive game guide with activities suitable for various ages and spaces.
Get the Full Scoop! Listen to this episode of the Creating Good podcast to learn more from Elizabeth about the power of play and its role in creating positive educational environments.