When a child is struggling with reading, math, behavior, or confidence in the classroom, parents often start searching for support and the right person to help. And sometimes, a child needs more than traditional tutoring or another structured lesson at a desk.
At Recess & Play, families can find targeted academic and developmental support designed around how children actually learn: through movement, hands-on experiences, sensory exploration, creativity, and yes ... PLAY!
Founded by longtime educator Charlene Woodham Brickman, PhD, the practice provides individualized interventions and support for children, teens, college students, and adults in the greater Athens area.
There are two things you won't find at Recess & Play: worksheets or technology. Instead, learning is active, engaging, and designed to meet each student exactly where they are. Here, the goal isn't to get through a lesson; it's to find a better way to help each learner grow.
 |  |
Learning Made Fun
Dr. Brickman takes fun learning seriously. Her office space, appropriately called The Play Lab, is kid-friendly, developmentally appropriate, and definitely doesn't require sitting in front of a workbook or screen. Instead, sessions may incorporate manipulatives, art supplies, sensory experiences, games, movement, and other hands-on activities.
Parents, don't let all that play fool you. There is a lot of intentional learning happening along the way! Rather than simply helping a child complete an assignment, Dr. Brickman works to dig deeper and identify where and why a student is struggling, then targets those specific skills in a way that works for the individual learner.
For a child struggling with reading, that might mean targeting phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. In math, it could mean strengthening early number skills, operations, fractions, decimals, or another area that's creating a roadblock.
The goal? Build the skills behind the struggle, and do it in a way that's engaging, hands-on, and fun, because when learning is fun, it has a better chance to "stick"!
 |  |
Support From Pre-K Through Adulthood
One of the unique things about Recess & Play is the wide range of ages and needs it can support, including:
- Pre-K & Kindergarten: Early childhood intervention
- Grades K-5: Reading and math
- Grades 6-12: Reading
- Grades 3-8: Writing
- College & Adults: Reading support at all levels
Support doesn't stop at academics. Dr. Brickman also works with learners of all ages on social-emotional learning, executive functioning, behavioral and ADD/ADHD support, organization, and study skills that can make a difference both in and outside of the classroom.
There's even room for a little strategy and fun: Recess & Play offers chess lessons for beginners through advanced players!
 |  |
Could Recess & Play Be the Right Fit for Your Child?
Maybe traditional tutoring hasn't clicked. Maybe schoolwork has become a source of frustration. Or maybe you're simply looking for an approach to learning that feels less like more school and more like your child.
Not sure exactly what kind of support your child needs? Reach out to Recess & Play for a consultation to talk through your concerns and determine what approach would be the best fit.
A limited number of after-school openings are currently available, with additional availability for homeschool students and other learners with flexible daytime schedules.
Are you a homeschool family? Recess & Play accepts Georgia Promise Scholarship funds, giving eligible families another option for accessing learning support.
Email: DrB@recessandplay.com
Phone: (404) 824-1121
Address: 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA, 30605
Athens Kids Collective
Recess & Play is part of Athens Kids Collective, an Athens-based hub bringing five female-owned small businesses together under one roof to support local children and families.
Together, they're creating a one-stop hub where Athens-area families can connect with resources and support for their kids. Click the image below to learn more.
 |
