National Day of Encouragement: Empowering Kids to Thrive with Fitness and Positivity

Every year on September 12th, the National Day of Encouragement is celebrated to remind us of the power of positivity and the impact that encouragement can have on individuals, especially children. For teachers, educators, and parents, this day offers a unique opportunity to inspire and motivate young minds, fostering a sense of confidence, well-being, and resilience.

What better way to tie this day of encouragement into something active and engaging than by using resources like Fitness Finders? By promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and personal growth, we can teach kids not only to believe in themselves but to take care of their bodies and minds too. 

In this blog, we'll explore how the National Day of Encouragement can be linked to health and fitness, offering practical ways educators and parents can use this day to boost kids' motivation and set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

The Power of Encouragement: Why it Matters for Kids

Encouragement plays a crucial role in shaping a child's self-esteem, motivation, and ability to persevere through challenges. Studies show that children who are encouraged and praised for their efforts - rather than just their results - develop a growth mindset, which can help them tackle obstacles and keep trying even when things get tough.

On National Day of Encouragement, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the small victories in your students' lives. Whether they've learned a new skill, improved in a sport, or simply made progress in their academic work, recognition of these efforts can go a long way in boosting their confidence.

But encouragement doesn't just apply to academic success - it's also essential when it comes to physical activity and healthy habits. For kids, learning the importance of moving their bodies and staying active is key to setting them up for long-term wellness.

Linking Encouragement with Fitness: Using Fitness Finders to Inspire Healthy Lifestyles

As we encourage students to stay positive, why not combine it with a commitment to physical fitness? This is where Fitness Finders can play a huge role. Fitness Finders is a fantastic resource designed to help kids explore different types of physical activities, set personal fitness goals, and track their progress. It's all about making fitness fun, accessible, and something to be proud of - aligning perfectly with the core values of National Day of Encouragement.

Here's how you can connect the two:

1. Encourage Movement as a Way to Build Confidence

On National Day of Encouragement, challenge your students to set small, achievable fitness goals using Fitness Finders. Whether it's doing 10 jumping jacks, running a mile, or learning a new dance routine, encourage them to track their progress and celebrate each milestone. The key here is to praise their, effort and perseverance, not just the outcome. Fitness Finders provides a way for kids to see their progress over time, boosting their sense of accomplishment.

For example, a teacher could host a Fitness Challenge Day where students try different fitness activities such as yoga, basketball, or a quick circuit workout. As kids complete each activity, encourage them with positive affirmation like, "You're doing great!" or "Keep going - you're almost there!" This reinforces the idea that trying is just as important as succeeding.

2. Building Positive Mindsets through Physical Activity

Physical exercise doesn't just benefit the body - it's also crucial for mental health. Studies show that exercise can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. On National Day of Encouragement, incorporate activities that help students connect with their bodies in a positive way. You could organize a mindfulness movement session, where students practice simple breathing exercises combined with gentle stretching or yoga, all designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Fitness Finders offers a variety of activities suitable for different age groups, from playful games for younger children to more structured fitness routines for older students to engage with fitness as a lifelong habit, not a chore.

3. Setting Team Goals for Collective Success

In addition to individual fitness goals, encourage students to work together in teams. Team-based activities not only promote social skills and teamwork, but they also help children learn how to encourage and support one another. For instance, you could set up a class-wide fitness goal - for example, aiming to collectively walk or run a certain number of miles by the end of the month. Fitness Finders can be used to track the group's progress, allowing students to see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture.

As students reach milestones, you can celebrate with group shout-outs or even a Fitness Finders recognition board, where the team's progress is displayed for everyone to see. This fosters a sense of pride and shared accomplishment.

4. Encouraging Healthy Habits Beyond Fitness

Fitness isn't just about exercise - it's also about encouraging kids to build healthy habits in every area of life. National Day of Encouragement is a great time to talk about the importance of a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking care of one's emotional well-being. By linking these habits to the idea of self-care and personal growth, we can create a more holistic approach to health.

For example, have students set a personal health goal alongside their fitness goal. Maybe it's drinking more water each day or getting eight hours of sleep. Use the Fitness Finders platform to track not just physical activity, but also progress in other areas of wellness, such as hydration, sleep, and mental well-being.

Fun Ideas to Celebrate National Day of Encouragement in the Classroom or at Home

To make National Day of Encouragement truly impactful for students, incorporate these fun ideas into your lessons or home routines:

• Encouragement Wall: Create a "Wall of Encouragement" in your classroom where students can write positive messages to one another. These can be compliments, notes of support, or simply words of encouragement like "You're awesome!" or "Keep trying!" 
• Compliment Circles: In a circle, have each student give a compliment or encouraging word to the person next to them. This helps build confidence and strengthens the sense of community.
• Personal Progress Charts: Use the Fitness Finders app or printable charts to let students track their fitness and wellness goals over time. Recognize their progress at regular intervals and celebrate their achievements together.
• Fitness Class Breaks: Host short physical activity breaks during the day. Incorporate fun activities like dancing, stretching, or quick outdoor games. Encourage everyone to participate, no matter their skill level, and offer plenty of praise along the way.

Empowering Students to Reach Their Potential

National Day of Encouragement is the perfect occasion to inspire your students and kids, reminding them of their unlimited potential. By incorporating fitness, movement, and wellness into the day's activities, you can foster an environment where students feel supported, motivated, and encouraged to take care of both their minds and bodies.

Using tools like Fitness Finders, educators and parents can help students set realistic fitness goals, stay active, and build confidence - all while fostering a positive mindset that encourages perseverance, effort, and personal growth.

So, as you celebrate National Day of Encouragement, let's not just encourage our students to dream big but to take action toward those dreams - one healthy, active step at a time!

By using the combination of encouragement, fitness, and tools like Fitness Finders, we can set children on a path to success, both physically and mentally. With your guidance and support, this National Day of Encouragement can be a turning point in their journey toward healthy habits and a positive mindset.

Teaching Kids About National Wildlife Day: A Day to Celebrate and Protect Nature

National Wildlife Day, observed every year on September 4th, is more than just a day of celebration - it's an opportunity to inspire the next generation to appreciate, learn about, and protect the incredible wildlife that shares our planet. For educators and parents, this day offers a wonderful chance to teach children about the importance of wildlife, the challenges animals face, and the vital role we all play in protecting them.

In this blog, we'll explore how you can turn National Wildlife Day into an engaging and educational experience for students and kids of all ages.

Why Wildlife Matters: The Perfect Teaching Moment

Wildlife isn't just something we see in books or nature documentaries. It's an integral part of our environment. Teaching kids about wildlife helps them understand the importance of biodiversity and how every creature, no matter how big or small, plays a role in the health of our planet.

For example, did you know that bees are responsible for pollinating about 75% of the world's flowering plants, including many of our crops? Or that elephants are considered "keystone species" because their movements help to shape the ecosystems they inhabit? These facts provide exciting starting points to discuss how animals contribute to life on Earth in ways we may not always realize.

For younger children, a simple lesson might include showing them pictures or videos of different animals and talking about how each species helps keep nature in balance. For older students, you can dive into the specifics of ecosystems, food chains, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Challenges Wildlife Faces: Teaching Empathy and Action

While National Wildlife Day is a celebration, it also serves as an important reminder that wildlife faces significant threats. Educators and parents can use this day to raise awareness about these challenges in an age-appropriate way.

1. Habitat Loss

As forests are cleared for agriculture or urban development, animals lose their homes. This can lead to species becoming endangered or extinct. You might show students pictures of deforested areas and compare them to thriving habitats to illustrate the importance of protecting natural spaces.

2. Climate Change

Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more frequent natural disasters are making it harder for many species to survive. For instance, polar bears are losing sea ice, which they need to hunt and live. Discussing how the climate impacts animals can help kids understand the urgency of environmental responsibility. 

3. Poaching and the Illegal Wildlife Trade

Some animals, like rhinos and tigers, are hunted for their tusks, pelts, and other body parts. These animals face the threat of extinction due to poaching. This topic can spark discussions about respecting animals and the importance of laws that protect endangered species.

By educating kids about these issues, we can foster empathy and a desire to take action in the future.

Fun and Educational Activities for National Wildlife Day

Teachers and parents can make National Wildlife Day exciting and memorable by incorporating hands-on activities that engage children's curiosity and creativity. 

1. Wildlife Art Projects

Encourage kids to create artwork of their favorite animals or even an endangered species. For younger students, this could be as simple as drawing or coloring, while older kids might try to paint, sculpt, or make collages. Art provides a fun way to connect with wildlife while allowing students to express their understanding and appreciation.

2. Wildlife Habitat Exploration

If possible, take the children on a nature walk, field trip, or even a virtual tour of a wildlife sanctuary. Use this opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats and discuss how the different environments they encounter are critical to their survival. For those unable to go outside, consider a nature scavenger hunt where students search for pictures of animals, plants, and insects.

3. Interactive Learning Games

Create quizzes, puzzles, or games that help children learn about wildlife. For instance, a matching game where students match animals with their habitats or diets can be both educational and fun. Apps and websites like National Geographic Kids also offer interactive resources that make learning about wildlife engaging. 

4. Animal Stories and Read-Aloud

Reading stories and books about animals can help kids form emotional connections with wildlife. Books like The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate or The Lorax by Dr. Seuss explore themes of animal rights, conservation, and the importance of protecting nature. After reading, engage students in discussions about the themes of the book and how it relates to wildlife conservation.

How You and Your Students Can Help: Action Steps

National Wildlife Day is not just about learning - it's about inspiring action! Here are some simple ways kids can make a difference in protecting wildlife:

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Teach children the importance of recycling and how reducing waste can help keep natural habitats clean. Creating posters for the classroom or a recycling project can empower kids to take responsibility for the environment.

2. Support Wildlife Charities

Organize a fundraising event or donation drive for wildlife organizations that help protect endangered species. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Some organizations even offer "adopt an animal" programs that allow kids to symbolically adopt a wild animal to support conservation efforts.

3. Habitat Creation

Even in urban environments, kids can make a difference by creating wildlife-friendly spaces at home or school. Planting native plants, building birdhouses, or setting up simple bird feeders can provide safe havens for local wildlife.

4. Spread Awareness

Encourage students to share what they've learned with their families and communities. This can be as simple as making a presentation or writing a letter to local leaders advocating for wildlife protection.

Inspiring Future Wildlife Conservationists

National Wildlife Day is a great opportunity to inspire kids to become passionate about wildlife conservation. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, the lessons you impart on this day can plant the seeds for a lifetime of curiosity, care, and advocacy for the animals that share our world.

Remember, the future of wildlife depends on the actions we take today - and the actions we inspire the next generation to take. Together, we can help ensure that wildlife continues to thrive for generations to come.

By using National Wildlife Day as a platform to educate and inspire, we can instill a sense of responsibility and love for nature in children. When children understand the importance of animals and ecosystems, they're more likely to become passionate stewards of the environment.

Teacher-Approved Classroom Rewards That Get Kids Moving

As a teacher, you know how important motivation is for student success. But when it comes to choosing the right reward system, candy and stickers often fall short, especially if your goal is to promote long-term learning and healthy habits. The best classroom rewards encourage both engagement and activity. Movement-based rewards help students stay motivated, focused, and energized throughout the school day.

That’s why more educators are turning to movement-based rewards to energize their classrooms and increase participation. At FitnessFinders.net we work with thousands of schools across the country who use physical activity as both a reward and a brain-boosting break.

Why Movement Rewards Work

Movement rewards check all the boxes:

They promote physical and emotional wellness

They reinforce positive behavior

They help  refocus energy and reduce disruptions

They’re fun - and kids love them

Teacher-Tested Favorites:

• Toe Tokens: These colorful collectible tokens reward students for reaching milestones (like laps walked, acts of kindness, or completed assignments, etc) Kids collect tokens for achieving movement goals.

• Twirl Flags: Ideal for fitness challenges and group celebrations or daily movement routines. Kids love “earning their colors.”

• Classroom Activity Trackers: Visual progress charts or goal-setting boards help students stay on track with fitness, behavior goals, and create instant motivation.

Creative Ways to Use Rewards

• Tie token rewards to academic achievement (e.g., 1 token per completed reading log).

• Use Twirl Flags for “Friday Fitness” dance-offs.

• Create a classroom leaderboard that celebrates both effort and teamwork.

Teachers who implement these tools often see improvement in focus, attendance, and overall morale.

Why it Works:

• Promotes physical health and classroom participation.

• Encourages positive behavior reinforcement.

• Turns learning into something active and fun.

Explore our full line of motivation-based classroom rewards.

National Aviation Day: Inspiring Young Minds to Soar

August 19th marks National Aviation Day, a celebration of flight, innovation, and the human spirit. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this day honors Orville Wright's birthday and encourages Americans to learn more about aviation and the aerospace industry.

For students and educators, National Aviation Day isn't just a history lesson - it's a launchpad for imagination and discovery. Much like Fitness Finders' mission to inspire active, healthy, and goal-driven lives, aviation teaches us that with determination, persistence, and creativity, we can achieve things once thought impossible.

A Look Back in Time

In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright defied gravity for the first time, flying for just 12 seconds in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. That short flight changed the course of history and opened the door to the modern world of air travel and space exploration.

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When Roosevelt declared National Aviation Day, he wanted to spark a love of flight in future generations - a mission that still holds true today.

Why It Matters For Students

Aviation is more than airplanes. It's a field where science, technology, engineering, and math come together to solve complex problems. Learning about flight introduces students to aerodynamics, mechanics, geography, and even environmental science. It also inspires qualities that Fitness Finders champions - perseverance, teamwork, and innovation.

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Ways to Celebrate in the Classroom

• Paper Airplane STEM Challenge: Students design and test paper airplanes for distance, accuracy, or creative style.
• Movement Meets Learning: Try a "Flight Fitness Challenge" - arm circles as "wing flaps," sprints as "jet boosters," and stretches as "pre-flight checks."
• Aviation Heroes Research: Assign small groups to learn about pioneers like Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, or modern astronauts.
• Field Experiences: Arrange a trip to an aviation museum or invite a local pilot to speak.

Fitness Finders Connection to Flight

Just like pilots prepare for flights with careful planning and physical training, students can prepare for their goals with healthy habits and determination. The Wright brothers failed many times before their first success, proving that persistence pays off - a lesson that applies to both fitness and academics.

Schools can even tie aviation into fitness challenges - track "miles flown" by converting steps or active minutes into virtual flights to destinations around the world. It's a fun, interactive way to keep students moving while learning about geography and culture.

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Fun Flight Facts

• The Wright brothers' first powered flight covered just 120 feet.
• Modern passenger jets can travel over 500 mph.
• Many astronauts are also trained pilots who maintain peak physical fitness for space travel.

Taking Off Toward Learning

National Aviation Day is a perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity, movement, and a spirit of adventure. By blending history, STEM, and physical activity, educators can help students see that the sky is not the limit - it's just the beginning.

So this August 19, celebrate National Aviation Day by moving, learning, and dreaming big. With the right mindset, we can all soar higher than we ever imagined.

Meet the Teachers Using Fitness Finders to Build Stronger Students

Teachers across the country are doing incredible work and many of them are using Fitness Finders tools to help students stay motivated, active, and focused. These teachers have one thing in common:, they believe movement is essential to academic and personal growth and are making movement a daily part of their classroom culture - and they’re seeing results. Here’s how three educators are using Fitness Finders to build more engaged, active students:

Betty Kern (4th-6th Grade, Ohio)

"Fitness Finders Awards are used in our Running Clubs throughout the year. Students earn a Sneaker for every 50 points they earn and every 5 miles they run during a running club season. Each week,, students look forward to receiving their awards! Many students ask to run extra laps to earn extra points so ultimately they can earn extra Sneaker Awards!

Continue Reading Betty Kern Customer Profile >>>

Tina Slater (4th-5th Grade, Michigan)

“Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success. I love it when I hear a student say, “I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

Continue Reading Tina Slater Customer Profile >>>

Shelley Territ (2nd Grade, Pennsylvania)

“I use Fitness Finders in my classroom and with my school running club. In my classroom, it is used as a positive reward. When my students earn enough chips to fill their bucket, they can choose a Fitness Finder token for their backpack chain.”

Continue Reading Shelly Territ Customer Profile >>>

Terri Pardee (Parent)

“Running has made the boys physically healthier, provided them an outlet for stress, and has taught them fitness skills that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives.”

Continue Reading Terri Pardee experience with Mileage Club >>>

Common Themes:

• Improved classroom behavior

• More inclusive participation

• Increased excitement around movement

Their secret? Movement is a positive motivator, not a punishment.

Want results like these? Explore what tools teachers are using.

Your Back-to-School Checklist for a Healthier Year

Starting the school year with a plan is one of the best ways to reduce stress and set up your students for success. Whether you’re a teacher setting up your classroom or a parent preparing a child for a new grade, this checklist will help create an active, positive environment from Day 1. 

The first few weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. Here’s your classroom (or home) checklist to promote student success through movement.

Back-to-School Fitness Checklist:

1. Create a classroom or home fitness goal. (e.g: Set a daily movement goal)

2. Choose a reward system (e.g. Toe Tokens)

3. Plan 2-3 brain break activities per day

4. Display a visible tracker or progress board

5. Schedule time each day for movement

6. Celebrate milestones and consistency together with tokens or prizes, not just completion

Product Pairings for a Strong Start:

• Wow-Factor Bundle - A variety pack for achievers, turning in homework on time, making wise decisions, having a positive attitude and so much more.

• Monthly Motivators Bundle - Choose from 4 pre-made bundles that contain different awards for each month.

• Classroom Reading Bundle - Take your classroom reading program to the next level with special incentives for achieving reading milestones.

• Nutrition Bundle - Make learning about healthy food fun or use them as positive behavior incentives in the lunchroom.

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Want to simplify this process? Use our Monthly Motivators Reward Chart.

How Movement Rewards Can Improve Focus and Participation

If you’ve ever watched a student start to fidget during a math lesson, you know how essential movement is for learning. Recent studies support what educators have known for years. Active bodies = engaged minds. Research shows that even short bursts of physical activity can dramatically increase students' attention, memory, and participation.

But it’s not just about more PE time. It’s about integrating movement into the academic day in a structured and motivational way.

Here’s How Movement-Based Incentives Boost Learning:

• Brain Activation - Movement increases oxygen to the brain, which enhances cognitive function.

• Mood Regulation - Physical activity releases endorphins that reduce anxiety and help with emotional regulation, improving mood and reducing stress.

• Classroom Management - Short activity breaks help reduce behavior problems and increase time on task.

• Participation - Participation in academic activities improves.

Movement Rewards, Like Toe Tokens and Twirl Flags, Offer:

• Clear goals

• Instant recognition

• Physical activity in short, manageable bursts

How Rewards Help:

Using tools like Toe Tokens and Mileage Club transforms movement into something students look forward to. They associate physical activity with success, pride, and community.

Tips for Teachers:

• Try 3-minute movement breaks between transitions.

• Use visual trackers to build goal-setting skills.

• Celebrate milestones with fun, movement-based prizes.

Start the school year with a classroom built for energy and engagement. Browse movement rewards today.